PROACTIVE ECOLAND

<< Background >>We applied to project as we wanted to create an educational game/exercise that concretely supports participants in gaining awareness for climate change and competence building towards environmental sustainability. Results also support participants in transferring the achieved learnings into concrete actions in their communities.The educational methodology used provides a straightforward link to the implementation of activities at a local level, and encourages all relevant stakeholders to support a ‘earn by doing, “motivating others through actions and leading by example approaches.The online platform created serves as an additional space for inspiration, action taking peer-support, sharing good practice and networking. Additionally, all educational materials can be downloaded from here: https://proactive-ecoland.comThe project outputs create young people & youth workers empowerment to conceptualise and share innovative ideas and actionable solutions, facilitating their translation into community-based initiatives. This approach aligns with core principles of youth work, emphasising the educator’s role in fostering critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and practical application of knowledge within local contexts.<< Objectives >>Inspiring, motivating and supporting the implementation of positive changes in our local communities in relation to green sustainability, supported by a global platform to share solutions and ideas.We incorporated the below objectives within an educational exercise (methodology) where we used several gamification techniques to increase engagement of young people, educators and other stakeholders (e.g. policymakers). Answering the expressed needs and interests of the young people we support.Raising awareness of the impact of CO2 footprint of everyday actions.Launching ideas and concrete sustainable actions contributing towards (already partly) solving environmental problems in our communities and wider.An online platform sharing local actions/solutions, increase the action effectiveness through peer support and inspire other communities.Sharing local successes to encourage change at a local government engagement level and influence local ‘green’ policy making.Supporting the adoption of self-sustainability concepts.Supporting young people in their (pro)active role in integrating sustainable solutions into everyday life.Creating environmental behavioural changes within the transnational dimension.<< Implementation >>Key ActivitiesKick-off (Finland, Dec 2022): Focused on logistics, monitoring, reporting, and brainstorming outputs (board game and online platform).TPMs: Spain (Apr 2023) finalisation of game prototype; Croatia (Sep 2023) incorporation of feedback; (Belgium Feb 2024) Progress evaluation; (Portugal Jun 2024) impact testing and production strategies.Testing: The testing phase targeted young people and youth workers, gathering feedback to support game enhancement. Phase 1 (198 respondents): Primarily young people.Phase 2 (83 respondents): Target group shifted to older youth (19-30) and youth workers (30+)Multiplier Events: Partners organised events for youth workers, educators, young people and volunteers to promote Experiment Ecoland methods.Training Course (May 2024, Finland): Focused on game facilitation, sustainability, and actionable strategies. Evaluation showed high scores, with facilitators rated 4.8/5 and workshops 4.5/5. Participants created eco-plans for local initiatives.Impact: 87% of participants reported increased sustainability awareness. Outputs continue to inspire global local actions. Evaluation insights https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QwhuzZqyz72tElnvFtpZdY8v9VmqX3SIGE3xyruCYKI/edit#responses<< Results >>Concrete outputsEXPERIMENT ECOLAND BOARD GAMEAn engaging gamified educational boardgame with 37 missions in 6 different languages, designed in an accessible and inclusive way, which supports playability and is aesthetically pleasing.FACILITATOR MANUALIn 6 languages, approx. 23 pages, with different game options.PROACTIVE ECOLAND WEB APP https://proactive-ecoland.com/A multifunctional landing page where all materials can be downloaded and success stories uploaded; it is also a platform of user generated content of concrete environmental actions with documentation and contacts.INSTRUCTIONAL VÍDEOThe instructional video is a step by step supportive tool that enables (new) facilitators to adopt and implement the gamified exercise in the way it is designed.SHORT VÍDEOS FOR SOCIAL MEDIAShort videos on different topics such as indoor air, light pollution, green roofs and ocean pollution.WEBSITE with MISSIONS- NEWS: accessible from the platform but also: www.ecolandnews.euwww.proactive-ecoland.com/news Besides the environmental knowledge impact, the game demonstrates significant improvements in cross-cutting competencies such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership among young participants.