Call for Partner Organisation: “Waste Watchers” (KA154 project)

A) Project overview
The “Waste Watchers” project is a two-year KA154 project designed to empower young people to address the growing challenge of illegal waste dumping in their communities. This project uses an innovative approach by combining modern drone technology, grassroots action, and structured advocacy to create a new generation of environmental leaders.

This project is a spin-off of the recently implemented 'From Dump to Art' project, supported by CIVICS. Watch the movie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q07biUnQO8.

Illegal waste dumping remains a significant environmental issue across Europe. Despite improvements in waste management, unauthorised dumping sites continue to pose threats to ecosystems, public health, and local economies. This project addresses these challenges by equipping young participants with the tools, skills, and platforms needed to make a tangible impact in their communities.

B) Project objectives
The “Waste Watchers” project seeks to empower young people as environmental leaders and advocates, capable of addressing illegal waste dumping through technology and community engagement.

The objectives include:
1. Equipping young people with technical skills in drone operation and environmental monitoring.
2. Promoting direct environmental action through clean-up events and community mapping.
3. Facilitating dialogue between youth and decision-makers to drive evidence-based policy changes.
4. Enhancing cross-border collaboration and fostering sustainable networks for youth-led environmental initiatives.

By the end of the project, participants will have gained the skills, confidence, and tools to continue their environmental work, ensuring long-term benefits for their communities and beyond.

C) Project Activities
The project will consist of joint and local activities, ensuring meaningful engagement and impact in participating countries.

a) Waste Watchers training course
A seven-day intensive training programme in Croatia, bringing together 18 young participants (9 from each partner country). Participants will learn drone operation, data collection techniques, and advocacy skills, laying the groundwork for their roles as Waste Watcher Ambassadors.

b) Community mapping
In each partner country, youth teams will use drones to identify and map illegal waste dumping sites. Monthly drone surveys, data analysis, and reporting to local authorities will help improve waste management practices and raise awareness.

c) Local activities with youth
Eight community events in each partner country will involve broader youth participation. These events will include clean-up actions, environmental workshops, and social media campaigns to engage the local community and foster environmental awareness.

d) Youth & decision-maker dialogues
Structured dialogues in each country will allow young participants to present their findings and policy recommendations to local authorities. These dialogues will encourage collaboration and actionable changes in waste management policies.

e) Impact conference
A three-day conference in Zagreb, Croatia, will gather all participants, partners, and stakeholders. The event will showcase project outcomes, share best practices, and create a roadmap for future sustainability.

D) Role of the partner organisation
Responsibilities will include recruiting and supporting participants, and coordinating local activities. The organisation will co-host the training academy, local action events, and youth-decision maker dialogues, as well as assist in communication and dissemination activities to maximise the project’s reach and impact.

E) Eligibility and requirements
The ideal applicant organisation will be based in one of the eligible countries and have experience in youth work, environmental projects, or community engagement.

They should have the capacity to:
- recruit and support participants aged 18–29, particularly those from rural or underrepresented backgrounds,
facilitate local events and contribute to project implementation,
- engage with local authorities and stakeholders to support policy dialogues,
- experience with Erasmus+ or similar EU-funded programmes is preferred but not required.

F) How to apply
Organisations interested in applying are invited to submit their applications via email. Please include the subject line: “Waste Watchers Partner Application” and provide the following details:
a) Name and contact details of your organisation.
b) Overview of your organisation’s experience in youth work or environmental projects (PIF document preferred).
c) A brief explanation of your motivation for joining this project.
d) Contact details of the person responsible for project coordination.

!!!IMPORANT NOTE!!!
SUMA is seeking a partner organisation from one of the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, or Sweden. For the sake of environmental protection, we kindly request organisations from countries not listed above NOT to send emails. Unsolicited emails contribute unnecessary CO2 emissions, and we appreciate your cooperation in respecting the eligibility criteria.

Applications should be sent to udrugasuma@gmail.com by February 5th, 2025.