THE STATE OF NATURE

The project responds to well-documented needs among young Europeans — high levels of anxiety and loneliness, disconnection from the natural environment, and heavy reliance on digital devices — while building on their strong concern for the environment. Its aims are to:

strengthen participants' personal and social competences — self-reliance, resilience, cooperation and communication — through shared outdoor living;
support wellbeing by offering a structured, screen-free week in nature and space for reflection;
develop environmental awareness and responsible outdoor behaviour, including Leave No Trace principles and sustainable, low-impact practices;
foster intercultural learning, new friendships across Europe and a sense of European belonging;
promote the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities within a safe, supportive group experience;
enable participants to identify and document their learning through Youthpass and the eight key competences, and to plan follow-up initiatives in their own communities.