Advancing Understanding and Respect of Outdoor and Rural Areas

<< Background >>After the pandemic, we noticed an increase in social anxiety, unhealthy habits and dependence on digital media in our groups of young people. This was more noticeable among disadvantaged youth who tended to isolate themselves more from their peers and support networks.Outdoor learning approaches have been proven very effective in addressing the contemporary challenges young people face, including issues related to mental health, alienation, demotivation and self-improvement. Outdoor learning has been found to have a positive impact on physical and mental well-being, foster curiosity and cultivate an appreciation for one's surroundings, as well as reconnect people with nature to increase their living standards, especially after the pandemic. Moreover, all partners wanted to encourage youth to exchange ideas on combating climate change and address eco-anxiety while actively contributing to sustainable development goals. We needed to expose more young people to the wonders of nature and outdoor learning, which have the potential to further empower disadvantaged youth, mitigating mental health challenges, combat social isolation and ultimately enhance the well-being and future prospects of the young people we collectively serve.<< Objectives >>AURORA aimed to provide young people with opportunities to get involved in outdoor experiential learning activities, interact with their peers, and engage with nature first-hand.It aimed to increase young people’s inclusion and well-being, foster behavioural change through environmental awareness, and expand partners’ knowledge and capacity to offer more outdoor learning activities. It also promoted innovation in outdoor learning by integrating sustainable digital tools and new technologies.The achieved objectives are the following:PO1: Provide outdoor experiential learning opportunitiesPO2: Increase social inclusion, well-being and personal developmentPO3: Foster behavioural change and empowermentPO4: Promote innovation and expand partner capacityPO5: Create sustainable digital tools to inspire interest in nature<< Implementation >>As part of the AURORA project, the partnership successfully implemented 2 outdoor-learning and nature-based LTTAs in Iceland and Turkey. Youth were involved in outdoor learning activities, exploring the natural wonders of Iceland and Turkey and gathering footage for the immersive platform.We also organised two transnational project meetings in Ireland and Finland.AURORA also included the successful implementation of local activities aimed at fostering the project objectives to a broader target group in all partner countries and preparing participants for the mobilities. We also developed a guidebook tailored to outdoor learning and good practices and an immersive reality platform with drone footage from Iceland and Turkey recorded by young people to inspire youth.AURORA also included the organisation of multiplier events in all four countries to disseminate the results.<< Results >>Through the achievement of all project objectives, the project increased young people’s participation in outdoor experiential learning and strengthened their engagement with environmental conservation. By involving young people throughout the entire project in local activities and the LTTAs, participants captured drone footage, recorded podcasts, and conducted inspiring interviews. The project also resulted in two main tangible results: the “Promoting Outdoor Learning & Good Practices Guidebook” which includes lesson plans for youth workers and educators, and the AURORA Platform, a sustainable digital resource that showcases nature-based learning and promoted responsible technology use. Beta testing and multiplier events broadened reach, gathered practical feedback and improved usability. As a result, participants developed digital and outdoor-education skills, adopted more eco-friendly behaviours, acted as local ambassadors for outdoor learning, and partners grew their capacity to deliver inclusive, innovative nature-focused activities across communities.