Articles
Launching of the project and website
The official launch of Blue4Youth, a forward-thinking initiative dedicated to empowering young voices in shaping the future of Europe’s sustainable blue economy, marks an exciting step toward inclusive environmental policymaking. This project, uniting youth representatives, decision-makers, and activists from Greece, Cyprus, and Spain, is funded under the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027. Through a series of Youth Participation Events and Mobilities, we aim to foster meaningful dialogue between young people and policymakers, encouraging civic engagement and sustainable action in coastal and marine contexts.
The official website, https://blue4youth.eu, serves as the central hub for news, updates, and resources related to youth involvement in the blue economy and environmental governance. It offers a collaborative space for young people, organizations, and stakeholders to connect, exchange ideas, and spark impactful change. The site features detailed project objectives, upcoming events, educational materials, and real opportunities for youth engagement.
Description of the Local Event in Greece
The Youth Participation Event of the Blue4Youth project took place in Greece, marking a significant milestone in the engagement of young people in shaping European policies on sustainable blue development. With 55 participants, this event created a dynamic platform for dialogue between youth representatives from marginalized coastal communities and decision-makers, fostering a collaborative environment for discussing solutions to the pressing challenges of sustainable development.
Throughout the forum, participants worked together to draft a Policy Paper on Blue Sustainable Development, focusing on how youth can play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable practices in the blue economy. The event also highlighted the importance of youth-led advocacy in addressing the impacts of climate change and inequality. Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to engage in training sessions that equipped them with the skills to amplify their voices on environmental issues and promote systems thinking and narrative campaigning. The event demonstrated the growing recognition of youth as key drivers of change in the blue economy, with local and European stakeholders acknowledging their vital contribution to the future of sustainability. This event set a strong precedent for future Blue4Youth activities, emphasizing the importance of including young voices in the decisions that will shape Europe’s sustainable future.
Description of the Local Event in Spain
The Youth Podcast Event of the Blue4Youth project took place in Spain, where 40 participants engaged in discussions about the sustainable blue economy. Titled “The Blue Challenge,” the event featured six 15-minute podcast episodes, covering topics such as youth participation in shaping national blue economy visions, increasing investment in marine conservation, and promoting entrepreneurship within ocean-related industries. The podcasts aimed to equip young people with business and innovation skills while fostering sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth.
The event offered a platform for youth to voice their ideas on marine sustainability and the role they can play in co-creating policies that protect the blue environment. Following the podcasts, participants completed evaluation forms to provide feedback. The collected insights will help assess the impact of the event and guide future Blue4Youth activities, ensuring that youth remain actively involved in building a more sustainable blue economy across Europe.
Description of the Local Event in Greece
Activity 3 in Greece is a Youth Local Talk focused on a crucial and timely topic: “How can young people participate in co-creating international frameworks and guidelines to protect the blue environment?” With 55 participants, the event brought together youth, experts, and decision-makers to discuss the intersection of the blue economy and sustainable environmental practices. The blue economy aims to drive economic growth and social inclusion while preserving marine and coastal ecosystems from exploitation and environmental degradation.
During the event, participants explored how industries such as tourism, fisheries, maritime transport, and emerging fields like renewable energies, aquaculture, and marine biotechnology can coexist with environmental protection. The discussion underscored the importance of youth participation in shaping and influencing these frameworks. By engaging with experts, participants gained valuable insights and mentorship, learning how to leverage their business ideas for sustainable growth in the ocean sectors. Using EU Youth Goal 10, the event empowered the next generation to actively contribute to creating a sustainable blue economy. After the event, an evaluation will be conducted to assess its impact and gather feedback for future initiatives.
Description of the Local Event in Cyprus
The Youth Laboratory Round Table held in Cyprus gathered 40 young participants, local businesses, and policy makers in an open and collaborative setting to strengthen youth engagement in shaping sustainable blue economy policies. Focused on the intersection of climate change mitigation, innovative business models, and financial literacy, the event empowered young people to play a leading role in driving forward environmentally and economically sustainable initiatives in their communities.
Participants engaged in dynamic brainstorming sessions, contributing to the co-creation of a Toolkit Youth Manifesto aligned with the EU Youth Strategy 2021–2027 and Youth Goals 9 and 10. These discussions emphasized the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into investment decision-making and underscored the importance of youth-driven approaches to blue economy development. The event fostered intergenerational dialogue, encouraged entrepreneurial thinking, and showcased the role of youth as essential contributors to Europe’s sustainable future. An evaluation followed the event to assess its impact and gather feedback for future initiatives.
Description of the Youth Participation Mobility in Greece
This Youth Participation Mobility will be hosted in Greece, taking the dynamic form of a Debatable Hackathon that brings together 65 passionate young people and European politicians to collaborate, debate, and co-create ideas around climate action and the sustainable blue economy. The hackathon will serve as an interactive platform for youth to become European Climate Change and Blue Economy Ambassadors, equipping them with policy knowledge, advocacy tools, and the confidence to lead transformative change.
The activity will address key questions surrounding the European Green Deal, environmental sustainability, youth inclusion in policymaking, and the role of the EU in supporting green entrepreneurship. Young participants will explore what triggered their engagement with climate issues, examine the effectiveness of EU environmental policies, and propose innovative strategies to make Europe more sustainable. By the end of the event, they will not only gain practical insights and leadership skills but also build a strong network of peers and policymakers united for a greener Europe. This mobility aligns closely with EU Youth Goals 9 and 10, promoting inclusive participation and environmental awareness across generations.
Description of the Educational Toolbox
The Blue4Youth Toolkit is a practical and engaging resource designed to equip young people across Europe with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take part in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future. Built on the foundations of the European Green Deal, the EU Youth Strategy, and Youth Goals #9 and #10, the toolkit offers a collection of interactive educational modules, real-world policy engagement strategies, and creative tools that support youth-led action in the areas of climate change, marine protection, and environmental governance. From understanding the EU’s climate goals to designing grassroots sustainability projects, the toolkit connects big-picture policy frameworks with youth-driven participation and innovation.
Developed through a collaborative and participatory approach, the toolkit reflects the ideas, needs, and voices of young people who have taken part in Blue4Youth activities across Europe. It includes non-formal learning activities, policy simulation exercises, communication templates, and evaluation tools tailored for schools, youth groups, NGOs, and institutions. Whether used in a classroom, a coastal workshop, or an EU policy forum, the Blue4Youth Toolkit empowers young Europeans to move from awareness to action and from local voices to international impact.
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