Transforming Environmental Conflicts

Overview

The project “Transforming Environmental Conflicts: Youth for Dialogue and Rights” aims to equip young people with skills in non-violent communication, intercultural dialogue, and advocacy to address environmental conflicts in their communities and across Europe.

Through a 7-day international training, a mentor-supported phase of youth-led local actions, and a final retreat focused on wellbeing and conflict transformation, it creates a cycle of learning, practice, and reflection that strengthens youth participation in environmental decision-making and democratic processes.

The project prioritises rural, minority, and vulnerable youth and builds a European network of youth workers who exchange experiences, co-create dialogue tools, and support one another in environmental peacebuilding.

Who is the project for?

Young people aged 18-30 affiliated with YEE member organisations and engaged in environmental action.
Rural youth, minorities, and vulnerable groups from Council of Europe member states, with priority for those from countries experiencing current or past environmental conflicts.
Youth workers, youth leaders, activists, and volunteers who can act as multipliers, bringing the methods and tools back to their organisations and local communities, by committing to create youth-led actions and apply the knowledge gained.

Objectives

Advocacy

To support participants to initiate youth-led actions or dialogues in their local communities, directly involving peers, local authorities, and stakeholders within six months after the training.

To organise a youth retreat that connects project outcomes with local communities, ensuring at least one joint action with local authorities and residents.

Capacity Building

To equip young people from diverse European backgrounds with practical skills in non-violent communication, intercultural dialogue, and cooperation with decision-makers to address environmental challenges.

To apply conflict transformation tools in the context of environmental disputes, enabling youth to reframe conflicts and foster constructive dialogue between diverse stakeholders.

To provide tools and creative methods for participants to understand and channel eco-anxiety into activism, resulting in shared resources and personal action plans developed during the project.

Networking

To establish a European network of active youth workers who exchange experiences and provide mutual support on cross-border collaborations or multi-stakeholder dialogues which will take place during the project cycle.