Active Youth for Nature Conservation – Empowering Advocates for a Sustainable Future

“Active Youth for Nature Conservation – Empowering Advocates for a Sustainable Future” is a nationwide initiative that aims to mobilize young people as powerful voices for nature protection, democratic values, and human rights. By fostering critical awareness and promoting creative, inclusive forms of civic engagement, the project supports the emergence of a new generation of environmental advocates in Albania.

In response to growing threats against biodiversity and protected areas, the project creates opportunities for youth to connect with democratic processes, develop advocacy skills, and actively participate in shaping the country’s environmental future. It also encourages collaboration between civil society actors, media, and public institutions to build a stronger foundation for sustainable development and conservation.

Main objectives:

• Empowering Youth through Democratic Education: Strengthen young people’s understanding of environmental rights, governance, and civic responsibility.
• Linking Nature to Human Rights: Promote environmental protection as an essential human right, reinforcing the importance of legal and institutional mechanisms.
• Fostering Innovative Advocacy: Encourage creative forms of public engagement and communication that reflect the energy and ideas of youth.
• Strengthening Coalitions for Conservation: Build stronger alliances among environmental, human rights, and democratic organizations to advocate for nature collectively.
• Raising Public Awareness: Enhance public understanding and visibility of environmental issues through coordinated communication and outreach efforts.

Target groups:

• Youth: High school and university students across Albania who will be the main drivers of the project’s educational and advocacy efforts.
• Environmental NGOs and Advocacy Groups: Civil society organizations working on nature conservation that will benefit from increased youth involvement and collective action.
• Human Rights and Democracy Organizations: Groups that intersect with environmental justice and contribute to broader civic advocacy.
• Media Professionals: Journalists and media outlets that play a vital role in informing the public and amplifying environmental voices.
• Government Institutions: Local and national decision-makers who will be engaged through public advocacy and policy-oriented dialogue.
• General Public: Citizens reached through outreach and visibility campaigns to build broader support for conservation initiatives.

Project activities:

The project will implement a series of interactive and educational activities designed to inform, inspire, and mobilize youth around nature conservation. These include summer schools that explore the links between democracy and the environment, as well as workshops that encourage creative approaches to advocacy and public engagement. The project will also foster spaces for open dialogue through youth-led debates and collective discussions, promoting critical thinking and active citizenship.

To expand the reach and impact of environmental advocacy, a diverse coalition of environmental and human rights organizations will be established, strengthening collaborative efforts across sectors. Public events and campaigns will engage broader audiences, while visibility materials and strategic communication will ensure that nature conservation remains a prominent topic in Albania’s public discourse.

Expected impact:

This project represents an innovative approach to youth empowerment by integrating environmental protection with democratic participation and human rights. It will lead to a stronger, more informed civil society capable of holding institutions accountable and defending Albania’s natural heritage. By nurturing leadership, creativity, and collaboration, the project paves the way for long-term, systemic impact in both environmental and civic spheres.

Project Duration: January 2025 – December 2026

Supported by: Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt

Implemented by: Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), Alfred Toepfer Academy for Nature Conservation (NNA)