The Erasmus+ programme is one of the EU's key tools for creating knowledge, skills and attitudes concerning climate change and sustainable development. The programme encourages participants to choose low-emissions means of travel and to make environmentally responsible choices in all the activities. It also supports the dissemination and development of information and competence related to environmental and climate issues.

Practices promoting project activities in Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation related to environmental responsibility

Cooperation and joint planning are important

Environmental responsibility was promoted by activating learners in line with objectives set by means of experiential learning and new teaching methods. The planning and implementation of joint study modules strengthened cooperation and commitment between project participants.

Project participants stated that small, shared everyday actions had a positive impact on projects. Cooperation between different sectors and stakeholders was seen as contributing to project progress.

Interaction both face-to-face and online

Meetings with partners, mobility and interaction with other cultures were seen as essential for the operation of projects and the achievement of objectives. Systematic internal and external communication and communication between project participants and stakeholders were considered important for projects. An operating culture created online, planned together and supporting cooperation facilitated projects and the achievement of project objectives.

Project participants were also of the view that combining practical and research activities contributed to project work. Incorporating all four priorities of Erasmus+ into project plans improved the effectiveness and clarified the overall objectives of projects.

Photo: Tussitaikurit Oy / Marker Wizards Ltd

Project participants’ recommendations for the promotion of environmental responsibility

The examined Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation underlined the central role of environmental issues and the fight against climate change in the future of humanity. The impacts of climate change and the climate anxiety of young people create a need to teach sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

Based on the experiences of project participants, a need was identified in the teaching of sustainable development and environmental responsibility to revive interest in rich, meaningful and activity-based work towards environmental, economic, cultural and social sustainability. The development of new teaching methods and practices to promote sustainability skills increased teachers' competence and motivated learners to work towards a sustainable future.

Activity-based methods and a forward-looking perspective are effective in tackling the climate anxiety of young people.

Project participant, workshop day in September 2023

The project has resulted in young people submitting proposals to politicians regarding the development of social responsibility, such as the monitoring and reduction of food waste.

Project participant, workshop day in September 2023

Active participation of parents, varied teaching methods and tools

The projects also drew attention to the active participation of parents in the implementation of the principles of a sustainable future. The teaching material packages, role-playing models and teaching methods used in the projects promoted the teaching of sustainable development. A number of projects utilised digital games that allow learners to plan sustainable development measures in their communities. At the same time, these games promote critical thinking and the social and digital skills prioritised by contemporary school curricula and employers.

Providing young people with opportunities for everyday environmental actions

Project participants encourage learners to actively engage in environmental activities and emphasise the importance of international cooperation in understanding cultures, interaction and developing language skills. In the context of promoting environmental responsibility, the projects also highlighted non-human rights, such as the rights of ecosystems, animals and landscapes.

Young people are the same across Europe and everyone is interested in environmental issues

Project participant, workshop day in September 2023

Project participants want to provide young people with the opportunity to proceed from environmental awareness to concrete environmental actions and encourage them to see the extensive significance of environmental responsibility from a young age. Project participants emphasise the need to create an everyday route from climate awareness to action and to highlight relevant ways of promoting sustainable development.

Children became active actors, and sustainable development became part of the everyday operation of the daycare centre.

Project participant, workshop day in September 20233

International cooperation in environmental protection increases hope and understanding of the fact that we are not acting alone in Finland. Understanding that we are part of something bigger inspires more action.

Project participant, workshop day in September 2023

Permanent impacts and notable approaches of the projects

A shared value base between project partners was seen as an important strengthening factor in Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation. In addition to networks and cooperation relationships between partner organisations, the projects have resulted in the establishment of personal contacts. Cooperation across sectors, with companies and between education and research has been meaningful and experiences of it have been positive. The projects emphasised concrete actions and experiential learning.

According to project participants, the permanent impacts of the Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation included:

• continuous development of the priorities through the closer involvement of stakeholders in the planning and design of activities
• continued utilisation of the ideas created in the projects after the conclusion of the projects
• review of the practical implementation of curricula and teaching at educational institutions
• implementation of new teaching and coaching methods and educational resources developed in the projects by several partners
• increased participation opportunities for learners
• support for the professional development of staff and strengthening of the educational institution's value base
• continued improvement of environmental responsibility, recycling and the relationship with nature even after projects
• increased use of public transport services during mobility periods and in all possible situations
• reduction of paper consumption, organisation of remote meetings, increased consideration of water consumption and cleanliness
• creation of structures promoting a sustainable future in participating organisations
• integration of a sustainable future and environmental responsibility into organisations' action plans and everyday operations.

Photo: Tussitaikurit Oy / Marker Wizards Ltd

Cooperation between project participants has also continued after projects and strengthened through knowledge sharing. After projects, project participants have identified what still needs to be done to promote objectives and reach different target groups. Environmental education and sustainable development goals have been permanently incorporated into organisations' operations. Several project participants who contributed to the assessment have either participated in a new Erasmus+ project or launched a follow-up project.

International cooperation projects, such as Erasmus+ projects, provide opportunities to promote and build a sustainable future together and promote all of the shared European priorities of the programme. Environmental responsibility should be made a central focus of local and international activities in order to guarantee a vital and healthy future for future generations.