FROM ASH TO GREEN

1. Project Purpose and Rationale In recent years, along with the escalating impacts of climate change, the risk and frequency of wildfires have increased significantly, particularly in forested areas located in the Mediterranean and Marmara/Black Sea transition basins. Bolu, with its rich forest ecosystem, is a critical region situated directly at the center of this threat. The main purpose of this project is to raise young people's awareness regarding wildfires, the effects of the climate crisis, and the protection of biodiversity, transforming them from passive individuals into environmental advocates and climate resilience ambassadors. By bringing together young people from different countries, the project aims to foster ecological consciousness in an intercultural environment. 2. Core Objectives Ecological Awareness:** To gain theoretical and field-based awareness on the fire triangle, human negligence, and post-fire ecosystem restoration. Civil Protection and Life Skills:To enhance young people's capacities in first aid, postdisaster psychosocial support, radio (walkie-talkie) usage, night navigation, and crisis management. Intercultural Dialogue and Collective Intelligence: To establish a youth network across Europe against wildfires by organizing cultural nights, collaborative games, and idea workshops with participants from various countries. Tangible Output and Policy Recommendation:To enable participants to draft the "Youth Recommendations Manifesto on Wildfire Prevention" to be presented to national and international authorities at the end of the project. 3. Methodology and Methods Used The project is entirely based on the principles of Non-Formal Education. Instead of passive learning, methods that ensure active participation are utilized:Simulations and Crisis Scenarios: "72-Minute Fire Simulation," Media Crisis, and "Rumor Factory" exercises. Fieldwork and Practical Application:Field analyses, waste cleanup, tree planting, and technical visits to the fire department and regional forestry directorate at Gölcük and Abant Nature Parks, as well as Göksu. Peer Learning and Experience Sharing Expectation Tree, Fire Memory Sharing Circle, Reverse Mentoring, and Reflection Groups.