Youth Exchange
Save Med SEA
Youth on a Mission
for a Sustainable Marine and Coastal Environment in Mediterranean Sea
Description
The youth exchange project “SAVE MED SEA: Youth On A Mission for a Sustainable Marine and Coastal Environment in Mediterranean Sea” was successfully coordinated in Cyprus by the youth NGO Active Zone Outdoor (AZO). The initiative was developed after recent research revealed that despite a strong desire for sustainable social transformation, young people in Mediterranean countries still lacked fundamental knowledge about threats to marine biodiversity, the role of Marine Protected Areas, and the impacts of human activity on our oceans. To bridge this gap, the project brought together 37 young participants—including two youth with visual disabilities—from six EU Mediterranean nations: Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Malta, Greece, and Spain. Through experiential outdoor activities and non-formal learning, the exchange raised vital awareness about climate impacts on marine ecosystems, fostered essential green skills, and promoted mental well-being through direct connection with coastal environments. Ultimately, the project cultivated a new generation of active, environmentally responsible young leaders, encouraged intercultural dialogue, and successfully delivered valuable resources, including the “Mission4MedSea” Toolkit—featuring seven innovative workshops—and the “Save Med Sea Protocol” to guide future youth work across Europe.
Activities
The youth exchange project “SAVE MED SEA: Youth On A Mission for a Sustainable Marine and Coastal Environment in Mediterranean Sea” took place in Cyprus from October 12 to October 19, 2025, bringing together 40 participants—including young people aged 18 to 30, group leaders, a facilitator, accompanying persons, and participants with visual impairment—from six EU Mediterranean countries: Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Spain. Centered around marine protection and fostering green skills through outdoor education, the project prioritized participants with fewer opportunities from disadvantaged backgrounds. The mobility was hosted across two coastal youth centers in Pervolia and Kathikas, where daily sessions led by the facilitator and group leaders engaged the youth in an active program. Over the nine-day exchange, participants completed team-building tasks, studied EU marine policies, and explored marine protected areas. They engaged in hands-on activities, including a beach and sea-bed clean-up, a workshop on Konnos Bay conservation, and reef observations. They also participated in critical debates regarding the Akamas Peninsula, attended a workshop on post-hatching excavations for Caretta-Caretta turtles, and met with environmental policy makers and experts. In addition to daily cultural exchange evenings, the participants successfully concluded the project by drafting the “Save Med Sea Protocol”, presenting it to local authorities, and developing the “Mission4MedSea” Toolkit containing seven innovative workshops for future youth work.
Activities
The “Save Med Sea” project provided profound short- and long-term benefits for the young participants, significantly raising their awareness of climate change impacts on the Mediterranean marine and coastal environments. By living and learning in environmentally critical coastal areas for eight days, the youth reconnected with nature, fostering a deep sense of appreciation, environmental responsibility, and sensitivity toward protecting their surroundings. Through experiential, nature-based activities, participants acquired greener skills, embraced healthier lifestyles, and learned about the vital role of Marine Protected Areas. Direct interactions with scientists, policy makers, and maritime professionals inspired new career and employability ideas, empowering the youth to become active citizens dedicated to scientific research and conservation. Furthermore, by exploring and creating the “Save Med Sea Protocol” and the “Mission4MedSea” Toolkit—which featured seven innovative workshops—the participants developed a strong sense of local and global responsibility. By translating these materials into all participating country languages and publishing them across partner NGO networks with reference to EU Erasmus+ funding, they successfully acted as multipliers and role models. Ultimately, the project left a lasting local, national, and European impact, proving that Europe’s multiculturalism can serve as a powerful unifier for collective environmental action and responsible behavior toward our seas.
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