About the project
The RegenerAtion Camp - Tools for Ecosystem Regeneration project was another opportunity to bring young people closer to themes, examples and practices that support and train them in initiatives and actions for social transformation, climate adaptation and caring for the earth.
Organized by Associação Novas Descobertas and partners, Quinta Vale Da Lama, a regenerative organic farm, hosted an initial preparatory visit (February 2023), where youth leaders from the partner organizations, together with the facilitators, outlined the youth involvement strategies, as well as the specific routines and activities developed in the youth exchange activity (May 2023). This was a transformative experience rich in shared learning, including the celebration of International Permaculture Day and practical actions to restore agroforestry ecosystems.
Framework
In the pursuit of major developments in living conditions and well-being, the planet has ended up marked by human-induced transformations. This intense human activity, along with the growth of the global population, has caused enormous pressures on terrestrial ecosystems (European Environment Agency - EEA, 2020a). Socio-environmental damage, such as the deterioration and destruction of ecosystems; the extinction of species and habitats; climate change; the disappearance of rivers; and water, air and soil pollution are what motivated us to develop RegenerAction.
Needs
a) Make young people aware of their eco-social impact;
b) Recovering ecosystems and biodiversity, combating socio-environmental damage;
c) Recognize the importance of entrepreneurship and eco-social innovation, particularly in the area of ecosystem regeneration, seeking to develop green skills;
d) To make young people aware of the potential of the Erasmus+ program.
Objectives
GENERAL
a) To combat the inefficient and unsustainable use of natural resources, promoting a circular pattern of socio-economic growth, based on the regenerative development model.
SPECIFIC
a) Promote young people's awareness of their eco-social impact, particularly through their connection with nature
b) Training young people to restore ecosystems and biodiversity, seeking to stop and repair socio-environmental damage.
c) Training young people in entrepreneurship and eco-social innovation, particularly in the area of ecosystem regeneration, seeking to develop green skills among them.
d) Promoting action, participation and empowerment among young people, strengthening community spirit and citizenship, particularly by increasing participation in strategic networks and partnerships for regional bio-impact.
e) Promote awareness among young people of the opportunities and possibilities of the Erasmus+ Program, particularly in the field of Youth.
The partners
Testimonials
The camp brought together an inspiring group of young people motivated to regenerative action and learning. This was a diverse and dynamic group that was able to harmoniously integrate their differences. There was a natural curiosity and sharing of common interests, as well as differences in culture and outlook.
What some participants said:
"I feel so inspired and refreshed after taking part in this amazing Erasmus * opportunity about Ecosystem Regeneration! People from different places, we came together for a week to work with the land and create a lovely community!"
"It has been a transformative experience that has given us theoretical and practical skills to regenerate the world. Regenerating ecosystems, water systems, soil and society."
"I feel so grateful for the experience; they were days of great learning in the New Discoveries Project, with all the different partners and participants. The cultural and perspective sharing left me motivated for regenerative action."
"Breathing in the noise, observing, feeling, learning, sharing, appreciating.
I feel very grateful and fortunate to have spent a few days in this wonderful place, breathing in the health that has flooded me and sharing an unforgettable and uplifting experience with a close and warm group.
From the center, clarity and empowerment. I glimpse the certainty of a respectful and healthy life, for myself and the Earth. I find in myself a potentially regenerating source of love and creation.
Thank you New Discoveries Project for pampering us, showing us, enlightening us and making us grow a little more. Thank you for planting seeds of awareness and regeneration in us."
Results
During the course, a daily record was kept of the sessions, activities and resources.
Click here to download it.
Un Decade Ecosystem Restoration (Instagram): Click here to see
Permaculture Day (instagram): Click here to see
Photo gallery (instagram): Click here to see
Reflections and thanks
Being able to offer training and learning experiences with a view to socio-ecological regeneration is a privilege and an urgent challenge.
More and more we need to create moments of reflection and practical application of what can generate creativity and change. We are facing a climate crisis, a growing drought and a state of apathy and depression among young people. Being able to meet like this, in deep questioning, with hands firmly on the ground and sharing our diversity is invaluable and indescribable.
Being able to offer training and learning experiences with a view to socio-ecological regeneration is a privilege and an urgent challenge.
More and more we need to create moments of reflection and practical application of what can generate creativity and change. We are facing a climate crisis, a growing drought and a state of apathy and depression among young people. Being able to meet like this, in deep questioning, with hands firmly on the ground and sharing our diversity is invaluable and indescribable.
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