In the remote mountain setting of Borrello, Abruzzo, surrounded by one of Europe’s highest waterfalls, youth workers, educators and environmental activists gathered for a Training Course aimed at bridging two worlds: youth inclusion and protected natural areas. Hosted by ARCI Chieti, the course formed part of the Erasmus+ Youth accredited long term international programme promoting youth oriented, participatory and sustainable community development.
Following the ORA method (Observe, Rethink, Act), the course represented the “Rethink” phase and trained participants from nine European countries in how to engage young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, in the infrastructural, educational and communicative aspects of protected area management.
Over the course of several days, participants took part in three hands-on workshops:
• Educational Modules focused on storytelling and field-based activities around wolves and crayfish, using creative tools to foster environmental awareness in children.
• Community Engagement and Nature explored strategies to build long-term community support for protected areas.
• Visual Identity of the Nature Reserve developed artistic and practical outputs such as signs maps, and posters to improve communication and accessibility in the Cascate del Verde reserve.
The training concluded with a public event involving local stakeholders, including the mayor of Borrello, environmental educators and young residents. The outcomes, educational materials, games, graphic content and inclusive strategies, now form the foundation for the upcoming youth exchange and will serve as replicable models for protected areas across Europe.
