The European Youth Week brought together young participants from all over Europe to engage in activities around nature protection. Through a series of informative and hands-on experiences, participants gained a deeper understanding of biodiversity, practical skills in environmental conservation, and collaborative approaches to protecting our natural world.
Exploring Biodiversity with Nature Park Rangers
One of the highlights of the week was the guided tours led by Nature Park Rangers in Warmbad Villach and the Dobratsch mountain area. These tours provided valuable insights into the local biodiversity, while also offering a unique European perspective. Participants learned about the migration patterns of animals across borders and the resulting changes in ecosystems. For example, they explored why certain species originally from the Adriatic area are now found in Austria, how animals move across regions, and the impact of these movements on local biodiversity. Discussions also covered species that are nearly extinct in some areas but considered pests in others, illustrating the complex dynamics of wildlife conservation.
Bike-Repair Workshop: Empowering Practical Skills
A hands-on bike repair workshop was another engaging activity. Participants worked on old bicycles, learning essential repair skills. This practical knowledge not only empowered them to maintain their bikes but also promoted sustainable transportation. One participant shared, “I was really happy to learn how to repair a bike because I have two bikes with flat tires at home but never knew how to do it. Now I know how to repair them and can finally use my bike again.”
Conservation Action with the Nature Conservation Association
In collaboration with the Nature Conservation Association, participants took part in a conservation project building bat boards. Some participants took the bat boxes home, with one destined for Ruska Montana in Romania, while the rest were distributed across Carinthia by the Nature Conservation Association.
Another critical conservation effort was the meadow maintenance. Participants raked mown grass from a marshy area around a protected pond to the edge of the meadow, where a tractor could collect it. This labor-intensive task was vital to maintain biodiversity in the marshy area, preventing it from being overrun by shrubs. Thanks to the large and hardworking group, this task was completed in just a few hours.
Workshops on Nature Protection
Workshops focused on brainstorming and developing nature protection projects that participants could implement with their local youth groups. Around 20 ideas were generated, ranging from community clean-ups to educational campaigns about local wildlife. These ideas will be compiled into a toolbox, providing a resource for ongoing conservation efforts across Europe.
Youth Week in Villach was more than just an event; it was a platform for learning, collaboration, and action. By bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds, it fostered a sense of shared responsibility and collective effort in protecting nature. The knowledge and skills gained during this week will undoubtedly inspire and equip participants to make a positive impact on the environment in their own communities.
Thank you to all the participants, organizers, and partners who made Youth Week a success. Together, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and biodiverse future!
The event was funded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe, and received additional financial support from the National Kolping Societies of Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Christina Wieser