New energies to tackle the climate challenges of the 21st century

Through its policies, the European Union is committed to fighting climate change, but that alone is not enough. To ensure that these measures are effective and have a real impact, active public involvement is essential, especially from young people.With Power Up!, we have an ambitious mission: to transform young Europeans in Italy, Slovenia, and Bulgaria into key players in the decision-making processes related to climate policies. We do this through theoretical and practical trainings, active engagement initiatives, and the promotion of inclusive climate governance.

 

Training and activation: the heart of the project

Thanks to our network of partners, we engage 750 young people in educational activities at both national and international levels, including climate awareness workshops, leadership training, advocacy activities, and international exchanges.In Italy and Slovenia, students participate in National Youth Workshops—training days focused on understanding climate change, local and European environmental policies, and developing advocacy and public speaking skills. These topics are also addressed during a National Youth Training Camp in Bulgaria: a three-day experience that emphasizes training and youth collaboration.

Beyond borders: international events

The project fosters connections among young people from partner countries. An international workshop in Kyustendil, Bulgaria, is designed to delve into youth empowerment and participation in European policies through a simulation of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. This is followed by an online training event on advocacy and leadership, open to all young Europeans, and a Youth Summer Leadership Camp in Slovenia, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage in a COP simulation, stepping into the shoes of real leaders.

Collaboration between youth and decision-makers

The dialogue between young people and policymakers is at the core of Power Up! We collaborate with local institution representatives and international professionals to facilitate a mutual exchange of experiences and knowledge.In Milan, a group of 100 students, together with the city’s municipality, initiates a pilot project: the Youth Climate Assembly, which concludes with the presentation of a Resolution Report to the Permanent Citizens' Assembly on Climate. The Assembly is a civic participation body established by the City of Milan two years ago to give citizens a voice in activities related to combating climate change, improving air quality, and promoting ecological transition. Our goal is to gather insights into young people’s expectations, perspectives, and ideas, and integrate them into the work plan of the Permanent Citizens' Assembly on Climate.Similar actions in four other European cities enable young people to participate in consultation and deliberation processes, actively contributing to decisions on climate and energy transition.

A network of cities for citizen participation in climate policies

We believe that exchange is key to facilitating mutual learning among European municipalities. Together with the City of Milan, we are building a digital platform and organizing a series of eight webinars for 150 participants, including institutional representatives and public authority professionals. This will be followed by a two-day International Forum in Milan, where experts and professionals can deepen the topics discussed online, enhance youth engagement strategies, and share their experiences.

Dissemination and sharing

An international conference in Bulgaria will be an opportunity to present results and best practices to educational institutions, civil society, and local authorities, while in Milan’s schools and youth centers, we will organize peer-to-peer initiatives to raise awareness about climate change and disseminate information on the most useful participation tools and platforms.An important exchange opportunity will be the International Youth Summit, with 150 participants, including students, stakeholders, and international guests. At the end of the Summit, the voices of the youth will converge into a single document, which will then be shared at the European level.

Power Up! is a project by Istituto Oikos, realized with the support of the European Union and in collaboration with WWF Bulgaria, No Excuse Slovenia and the Milan Municipality.

 

The launch event (WP1)

The international launch of Power Up! brought together 83 participants from 4 different countries, including 44 women and 39 men. Over the course of two impactful days, partners strengthened collaborations, shared best practices, and delved into the core themes of the project.

An exchange of experiences

The first day focused on dialogue. The exchange of experiences among partners, enriched by the contribution of Katie Reid, an international expert in youth participation, explored innovative and inclusive methodologies to raise awareness among younger generations on environmental and climate issues. The combination of theoretical and practical training on participatory tools and processes led to the development of the Training of Trainers Toolkit (ToT toolkit), a practical guide to support partners in designing the project's educational activities.

Dialogue with institutions

The second day highlighted the importance of interaction between citizens and policymakers. Partners attended the presentation of Milan's Permanent Citizens’ Assembly on Climate, a unique model that fosters civic participation in local decision-making processes. During the session, Power Up! was introduced to citizens, journalists, and institutional representatives, including Milan’s Mayor Giuseppe Sala and Councillor Elena Grandi. Participants also had the opportunity to observe the Assembly's dynamics firsthand, gaining deeper insights into the value of citizen involvement in shaping effective climate policies.

Dissemination and next steps
To expand public engagement, the project was promoted both online, through the partners’ social media channels, and offline, with a dedicated event in one of the participating schools. Power Up! continues its mission to foster active participation and awareness on climate change and the ecological transition.

 

National Youth Workshops in Milan, Italy (WP2)

Power Up! has made its way into Milan’s high schools with a clear goal: to raise climate awareness among younger generations and to spark active participation and critical thinking.
The educational program engaged 191 students — 96 boys and 95 girls — from 9 classes across 5 of the city’s 9 municipalities. A series of three sessions guided participants through theoretical concepts, hands-on activities, and moments of reflection and discussion.

 

 

You need to start with a solid foundation
That’s why two hours of the program were dedicated to climate literacy. Beginning with a collective brainstorming session, students explored the causes and consequences of climate change, then dove deeper into the concepts of mitigation and adaptation.Finally, the focus shifted to an often-overlooked aspect: climate justice. A video and a role-playing game helped students understand how the environmental crisis often translates into social inequality.

The roles are reversed
During the second session, it was the students who took the teacher’s seat. Divided into groups, they presented climate policies in place at the international, national, and local levels, along with individual actions that can help address the crisis.
Next came a role-playing game based on data from IPCC reports (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), which launched the entire class into the future. Working in country teams, students chose which climate policies to adopt, and based on their decisions, they discovered the possible scenarios our planet could face over the next 75 years.
To wrap up, representatives from the Municipality of Milan presented the Plan for Air and Climate, giving students a closer look at the decisions shaping their local area. They also introduced the participatory process that will involve them in the coming school year through the Youth Climate Assembly.

Making your voice heard
In the third and final session, a young volunteer from the Italian Climate Network shared her experience at the Conference of the Parties (COP), offering a firsthand account of youth engagement and contribution to international climate policy.The program concluded with a structured debate, where the class tackled two thought-provoking questions that brought together many of the topics discussed: "Is mitigation the real solution to the climate crisis?" and "Can local actions truly make a difference?"

Education, participation, future
The school workshop gave students the tools to understand the climate crisis in all its complexity and created spaces for dialogue where they could practice critical thinking and civic engagement.
But the work doesn’t stop here. Activities with students will continue next year: thanks to the support of the City of Milan, around 90 young people will take part in establishing the first Youth Climate Assembly — a concrete experience of active citizenship that will give the next generation a voice in local environmental decision-making.

 

 

Simulation of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (WP5)

From May 12 to 14, 77 participants—including 51 women and 26 men from four European countries—gathered in Kyustendil, Bulgaria, to take part in a simulation of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). At the heart of the debate was a crucial question: how can we lead a just transition beyond coal?

Preparing for change
To fully engage in the ECOSOC simulation, students took part in preparatory training sessions led by experts from WWF Bulgaria.
Stella Christova and Raina Popova introduced the concept of a Just Transition, the European Union’s energy policies, and key negotiation strategies.
Their sessions were complemented by a workshop from Sussie Lundegard (WWF Sweden), who guided participants through a collaborative design exercise focused on creating more sustainable cities. It was a hands-on opportunity for young people to reimagine the urban spaces of tomorrow.

Stepping into decision-making roles
During the simulation, over 50 students took on the roles of syndacates, business leaders, policy makers, and youth delegates.
Working in stakeholder groups, they developed shared solutions to ensure a fair energy transition in regions heavily reliant on coal.
Among the proposals that emerged: transforming former coal mines into research and innovation hubs, creating heritage tourism trails, and launching vocational training programmes for professional reskilling.

From ideas to action
The event concluded with a collective debriefing session, where all the proposals were compiled into a Youth Position Paper, a final document that will be presented to institutions in Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Italy.
A symbolic act, but also a political one: because the voices of the younger generation deserve a place wherever the future is being shaped.

 

 

Online Youth Training (WP6)

A total of 139 participants, 80 women and 59 men from six countries, took part in an online training programme designed to strengthen young people’s skills in climate advocacy and active participation.

A format tailored to young learners
Organised by No Excuse Slovenia, the training was delivered in four short, interactive hybrid sessions involving high schools in Slovenia, Italy, and Bulgaria, followed by one main online session with international participation.
During the in-school sessions, students had the chance to explore En-ROADS, a digital climate simulator that illustrates how economic and policy decisions impact global temperature rise. The sessions were guided by Viktor Josa, an En-ROADS Climate Ambassador, who joined online, supported by local facilitators in the classroom.

Ideas from around the world to inspire local action
The highlight of the programme was the international session held on 26 March, which brought together young people and representatives from environmental organisations across several countries.The focus of the session was on sharing successful and concrete sustainability and climate action initiatives. Participants met in small national and international groups, where they could ask questions, exchange experiences, and reflect on the impact and potential of youth-led initiatives.

Sharing personal experiences
“Have you ever taken part in climate-related initiatives? In your experience, what could be improved? What new skills would help you take a more active role?”
These were the questions that guided the final part of the workshop. Young participants reflected on their past experiences, discussed challenges they had faced, and explored what skills they would need to make a greater impact in environmental advocacy.
It was a collaborative and open exchange that highlighted diverse perspectives and reinforced the motivation to take part in collective change.

The Shouf Biosphere Reserve in Lebanon and the Aterno Valley in Italy share some of the most critical challenges of our time: sustainable management of natural resources and combating climate change.
We aim to create a bridge between Italy’s successful experiences and Lebanon's specific needs. The goal is to find innovative and effective solutions that increase local economic opportunities while protecting the ecosystems in these regions, which are as precious as they are fragile.

 

Key areas

 

The Aterno Valley

Much of the Middle Aterno Valley, where the Model Forest of the same name is located, is part of the Sirente Velino Regional Nature Park, home to the rich biodiversity of the central Apennine ecosystem. This region is characterized by a strong integration of agricultural, forestry, tourism, and artisanal activities within a low-density population context, affected by depopulation and aging demographics. The area has extensive forest cover and well-preserved historical villages, creating a complex "mosaic" landscape with diverse land uses, varying altitudes and exposures, and a range of historical imprints.

The Shouf Biosphere Reserve

Covering approximately 50,000 hectares, it is the largest protected area in Lebanon. The Reserve hosts rich biodiversity and provides essential resources for the country's population, such as water, raw materials, fertile soil, and clean air.
In recent years, the climate crisis, combined with unsustainable land management, has seriously damaged ecosystems, impacting an already fragile economy that relies primarily on agriculture.

 

 

A new participatory approach to revitalize the Region’s economy and protect nature

To counter the negative effects of climate change and support local agro-ecosystems, we are promoting the integration of best practices for natural resource management within the Shouf Reserve, based on models already tested in Abruzzo, across three key sectors:

 

1. Sustainable water management

We are introducing tools for water resource management based on the Water Framework Directive model, including the River Contract, a voluntary, participatory planning tool designed to protect and enhance riverine areas.
Our efforts include specialized training for key local stakeholders, direct exchanges with Italian partners, and the creation of resources for water management, such as a “White Paper.”
In parallel with these initiatives, we are carrying out restoration work on the catchment basins around the Awali River to improve distribution efficiency and reduce water losses.

2. Small-scale agricultural practices

We are strengthening local agricultural supply chains for small producers by adapting the experiences of the “Slow Food” rural network and the Aterno Valley Model Forest. The goal is to shorten the supply chain and add value to local production.
To achieve this, we are creating a catalog of local products to promote the economy and foster selling through dedicated online sales channels. We are also facilitating specific agreements between 40 farmers and the Shouf Biosphere Reserve.
Additionally, we are providing endowment funds to enhance local market access for agricultural entrepreneurs and to make family-owned farms more sustainable.

3. A Model Forest to boost the local economy

We are enhancing agro-forestry landscapes through the creation of a Model Forest inspired by the Aterno Valley Model Forest, where stakeholders collaborate to improve areas such as the biomass supply chain. This initiative will make the Shouf the first Middle Eastern member of the International Model Forest Network.
We are also working to equip two public buildings in the Reserve with biomass heating systems, fueled by raw materials sourced from the sustainable management of surrounding forests and agricultural lands.

Knowledge trips to Abruzzo and Lebanon, workshops, exchange visits, and field missions are essential opportunities to replicate best practices, creating connections that extend beyond the project's completion.

 

The partners

The connections within the network of partners aim to strengthen a knowledge exchange system that will continue beyond the project's conclusion.

Municipality of Fontecchio

The Municipality of Fontecchio is committed to the sustainable management of natural and cultural heritage. The promotion of the Model Forest, adherence to the principles of the Faro Convention, the Fontecchio Charter with environmental associations, a strong commitment to the Sirente Velino Regional Nature Park, and trust in the River Contract have been the ideal foundations for broader international collaboration with development cooperation actors and civil society, through a multi-stakeholder approach. https://comune.fontecchio.aq.it/

Istituto Oikos

It is a non-profit organization operating in Europe and in the South of the World to protect biodiversity. Oikos promotes responsible management of natural resources and the adoption of sustainable lifestyles as tools for social and economic development and for fighting poverty. Since 2018, it has worked in Lebanon in the area of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, aiming to balance the needs of the local population with those of the environment, preserving the Reserve's resources in terms of water, raw materials, and fertile land, while encouraging the local economy. www.istituto-oikos.org

Ilex

Located in the Municipality of Fontecchio, Ilex owns and manages an environmental education centre and collaborates with the Municipality on environmental awareness and rural development actions. Ilex worked with the Municipality on publishing the "Fontecchio Charter" on protected areas and organizing the international conference on the UNESCO Faro Convention. https://ilexitaly.com/

Leaf Lab

A cooperative focused primarily on rural development projects through systemic actions, cooperation projects, and supply chains. Through research, training, and technical consulting, Leaf Lab promotes sustainable development models in the agro-forestry sector in mountain areas. It has also contributed to the promotion of the Model Forest by implementing the Strategic Plan and the Forestry Commission.

Al Shouf Cedar Society

A member of the Protected Areas Committee (APAC), which manages the Shouf Biosphere Reserve under the authority of Lebanon’s Ministry of Environment (MoE). ACS has numerous collaborative alliances with public institutions at both the local and national levels and it is internationally recognized for its long-term programmes in sustainable agriculture and forest landscape restoration. www.shoufcedar.org

The project "From the Apennines to the Shouf: migrations of experiences and knowledge across the Mediterranean" is implemented by the Municipality of Fontecchio in collaboration with Istituto Oikos, Ilex, LeafLab, and the Al Shouf Cedar Society, with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

A story of survival

Twenty years ago, thousands of families fled their homes in Iraq and Syria to escape the persecution of ISIS. The motivation? Purely religious. They are Chaldean Christians, a minority fleeing violence and oppression. Some of them found refuge in Lebanon: the Chaldean community in Lebanon counts about 20,000 members nowadays, and more than 70% of them live as illegal refugees. For many, Lebanon is a transit point, but the waiting times for resettlement in another country are extremely long. And so, entire families find themselves in a perpetual limbo of social marginalization, lack of educational or employment opportunities, and often endure a severe condition of food insecurity. For thousands of refugees, staying in Lebanon is a real struggle for survival.

 

 

Together for integration

Istituto Oikos, along with Farah Social Foundation (FSF) and the Chaldean Charitable Society in Lebanon (CCSL), is by the side of the Chaldean Christian minority in Beirut every day to promote their integration, with a special focus on the groups paying the highest price for this isolation: children, women, and unemployed youth. We offer them the tools to develop new knowledge and skills, especially in the environmental field. We aim to leave no one behind, cultivating diversity as a resource for a more inclusive and just society.

 

Accelerators of social inclusion

The response in training

Chaldean Iraqi refugees have no job opportunities in Lebanon. The extreme poverty in which many families live prevents them from supporting even basic expenses. Oikos immediately took action to provide food assistance to the most vulnerable people. In a year and a half, we distributed 1,350 food packages to 150 Chaldean families.We asked ourselves how to build economic independence in such a challenging context. The answer lies in training: we offer vocational courses to women and young people in promising sectors, from urban agriculture to handmade soap production. A tangible opportunity to develop economic stability, but also and above all, their self-esteem.

The protection of the environment as a ground for dialogue

We believe in environmental education as a tool for constructive dialogue, a meeting point even in diversity. In Lebanon, school programmes do not include environmental activities, this is why teachers have welcomed our proposals with great enthusiasm, and together we have built an entirely new path for environmental education. Regardless of social background, religious beliefs, or cultural background: understanding what we can do to defend nature is an opportunity for common and shared growth.

 

 

Field stories

 

Tania Farid

Along with 24 other women, I am learning all the techniques of food drying. I can't wait to finish the course! Because I will receive a dryer, and I can finally start building my business, my autonomy, my future.

Fadia Morad

I am a primary school teacher, and I have always thought that environmental education is an essential component of school programmes. With the activities proposed by Oikos, my colleagues and I have the opportunity to bring essential themes for the times we live in into the classroom, and these themes are very dear to me. It is a great satisfaction to see how enthusiastically students embrace these activities when we show them a video, tell a story, or ask questions. Stimulating their critical thinking and creativity is a beautiful adventure.

 

Shadia Al-Badawi

I have learned all the secrets of handmade soap production, and during the courses, I discovered that I love this work! I love creating natural products from what nature offers, such as lavender, sage, turmeric. Today, my business is growing, and I hope to have new products to sell soon.

 

 

 

SALAM - Food security and environmental protection for combating discrimination against the Chaldean Christian minority is a project promoted by Istituto Oikos and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

StrategyMedFor was prominently featured at the Annual Medforval Meeting 2024, held from June 5-7 in Fontecchio, Italy. The event brought together 25 practitioners from national parks and natural reserves across 9 Mediterranean countries, providing a valuable platform for StrategyMedFor to showcase its progress.
Istituto Oikos and CIHEAM-MAICh, key partners in the StrategyMedFor project, represented the initiative at the meeting. They delivered a presentation that provided an overview of StrategyMedFor's goals and achievements to date. A particular focus was placed on the initial phase of the project that establishes a preliminary conceptual framework. This framework includes a critical set of criteria and indicators designed to improve management practices for Mediterranean forests.
Moreover, an overview of the project activities that directly involve the network such as the application of the indicators developed to each of the Medforval member sites to highlight impacts, fragmentation, connectivity & climate scenarios locally was provided.

By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange with key stakeholders like those assembled at Medforval, StrategyMedFor is building momentum towards its objective of developing a sustainable management strategy for Mediterranean forests. This strategy will be tailored to address the specific needs of various forest types and will account for foreseeable climate scenarios.

About StrategyMedFor

Despite the increase in Mediterranean forest cover in recent decades, these forests are not in good condition and require urgent action to increase their resilience to climate change and restore their biodiversity. According to recent studies, the Mediterranean basin is the second most affected region in the world by climate change. This will have an impact on the quality, integrity, distribution and cover of forest species, which will in turn impact the livelihoods of local communities. The StrategyMedFor project aims to develop a targeted Strategy for Sustainable Management of Mediterranean Forests for each forest type, adapted to foreseeable climate scenarios, thus contributing to their restoration and conservation. The project is scheduled to last for 2.5 years, from January 2024 to September 2026.

 

Despite the increase in Mediterranean forest coverage in the last decades, these forests are not in a good condition and require an urgent action to increase their resilience to climate change and to re-establish their biodiversity. The Interreg Euro-MED StrategyMedFor project aims to develop a 10-year Strategy for the Sustainable Management of Mediterranean Forests that will integrate new technologies and Mediterranean-wide data to guide forest management purposes. This forward-thinking plan will be tested in three pilot sites allowing for adaptation and refinement before wider implementation.

Stay tuned for further updates on StrategyMedFor's progress as the project unfolds!
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