Environment and you(th): Opportunities for Young People to Make a Change
Last updated on Friday, 04/04/2025
Interested by environmental issues? Want to preserve and protect nature? The LIFE programme offers opportunities aiming at “teaching sustainability” and serves as the EU’s funding instrument for environment and climate action. Here’s a glimpse of some of the opportunities available to young people below.
EUROPARC Junior Ranger
A programme for children and teenagers (12-18 years) who live either within or near Protected Areas. It offers a variety of activities, adapted to the local context that can range from environmental education, park maintenance to excursions and outdoor sports. Interested? Then check out EUROPARC Junior’s webpage.
This programme is also available for young adults (18-25 years) that are interested in becoming ambassadors of their local Protected Areas. It focuses more on learning components of communication, advocacy, leadership and nature conservation activities. Learn more about EUROPARC for adults.
Youth4Nature (Y4N)
A youth-led and driven international non-profit organisation that aims to educate, equip and establish young people on system-wide solutions for the nature and climate crises. Check their Instagram or directly go to their webpage.
International Young Nature friends (IYNF)
A platform that connects young people from Europe and beyond who are passionate about environmental issues through camps, seminars, trainings and exchange programmes. Go to their website and take the first step to join this amazing community which also welcomes European Solidarity Corps volunteers.
Also: Think you know all about Europe’s ‘big five’ species of large carnivores? Like, what is a ‘large carnivore’ anyway and where do they live? Bonus: Did you know that seeing a wolf in the wild does not mean you are its next lunch or dinner? You are not even on its menu! Time to separate facts from fiction on large carnivores – test your knowledge with this quiz! You can also take a first step and try this role play game (16-18 years), stepping into the shoes of a shepherd, livestock owner, hunter, nature conservationist or local mayor and find solutions together.