EUROPEAN EcoSphere - BUILDING YOUTH COMMUNITY RESILIENCE TROUGH NATURE ENGAGEMENT

Project name:	European EcoSphere – Building Youth Community Resilience through Nature Engagement
Abbreviation:	EcoSphere
Project number:	101191659, CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-NT
Project objective:	Throughout the two-year project, young people from the Rezekne Municipality will participate in educational and cultural activities, explore natural heritage, research biodiversity and ecotourism in Razna National Park, and engage in discussions on innovative nature tourism. The project also includes developing and testing new routes and international experience visits.
Project implementation time:	01.02.2025.–31.12.2027.
Financing:	The total project budget for eight partners is €148,000, with Rezekne Municipality's budget amounting to €15,750. The project is fully financed by the European Union's CERV program.
Project managing partner:	Spain - The municipality of Ayuntamiento de Pego
Project partners:	Latvia – Rezekne Municipality Spain – The Municipality of Pego Serbia – Digitalni Dekanteri Italia – Comune di San Polo di Piave Slovenia – Javni zavod za turizem in kulturo Kočevje Croatia – Grad Pregrada Greece – Municipality of Agia Portugal– Associacao de Municipios das Terras de Santa Maria
Project activities in social media:	https://www.facebook.com/CERVprogramme/ https://www.facebook.com/Rezeknesnovads http://www.luznavasmuiza.lv/ https://www.facebook.com/luznavasmuiza
Contact person:	Project manager: Iveta Balčūne e-mail: [email protected]

EcoSphere – Youth Community Engagement.

Youth communities. Ecosphere. Cultural and natural heritage values.

The thematic framework that unites the 8 member states involved in the EcoSphere (“European EcoSphere – Building Youth Community Resilience through Nature Engagement”) project (Latvia – Rēzekne Municipality, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Portugal).

Lūznava Manor Manager Iveta Balčūne, representing the Culture and Tourism Department of the Rēzekne Municipality, and Diāna Selecka, Nature Education Specialist of the Latgale Regional Administration of the Nature Protection Department, participated in the first meeting and planning event of the EcoSphere project in the municipality of Pego, Spain, from February 20^th to February 23^rd, 2025, where cooperation agreements of the project member states were also symbolically signed.

Throughout the two-year project, young people from the Rēzekne Municipality will participate in educational and cultural activities, explore natural heritage, research biodiversity and ecotourism in Rāzna National Park, and engage in discussions on innovative nature tourism. The project also includes developing and testing new routes and international experience visits.

It is planned that this summer an international group will visit the Rēzekne Municipality, attending the Art Picnic and Rāzna Travelers' Days on July 12^th-13^th.

MORE ABOUT PROJECT (in Latvian)

Youth community participation in preserving Europe’s cultural and natural heritage and the ecosphere is a prerequisite for a successful shared future. Cooperation between Lūznava Manor and the youth of Rēzekne Municipality began when young people were invited to discussions, brainstorming sessions, design thinking workshops, and other co-creation activities focused on the development of the newly restored manor and youth involvement in its operation. Based on their recommendations, cooperation with youth has continued throughout the decade of restoration, offering opportunities for volunteering, summer jobs for students, Erasmus+ projects, student research work, study internships, partnerships with vocational education institutions, and work experience in the fields of art, music, and design.

Lūznava Manor, located within the territory of Rāzna National Park, is surrounded by a historic landscape park with rare tree species. Bats can be found here, a ''garden of senses

and thuja labyrinth are being developed, and legends live on about forest tulips, the Alley of Love, and treasures hidden by manor lords in the park ponds. We are part of a shared ecosystem whose future depends on the next generation; therefore, youth community involvement in ecosphere issues is essential.

“Thank you for the invitation to participate in the EcoSphere project, which places great emphasis on youth involvement in the protection of natural values. In Spain, we met project participants from other countries and learned about the issues they focus on at home. We visited the Natural Marjal de Pego-Oliva National Park and learned about efforts to restore the osprey population there. The Junior Ranger group of Rāzna National Park has been involved in nature exploration since its establishment, participating in hikes and volunteer work. We look forward to doing this together with project participants from eight countries. It is wonderful that project participants will visit Rāzna National Park already this summer and experience its nature and the Travelers’ Days program,” said Diāna Selecka.

“European EcoSphere - Building Youth Community Resilience through Nature Engagement”

The project aims to engage youth communities in identifying, protecting, and sustainably developing natural and cultural heritage values, preserving biodiversity, and strengthening resilience to climate change. Educational and awareness-raising activities are planned in the territory of Rāzna National Park throughout the project.

Project duration: 01.02.2025 – 31.12.2027

More about project:

https://rezeknesnovads.lv/iedzivotajiem/projekti/eiropas-ekosfera-jauniesu-kopienas-noturibas-veicinasana-saikne-ar-dabu/

https://www.pego.org/noticies/2025/02/24/pego-establix-les-bases-del-nou-projecte-europeu-per-a-fomentar-la-conservacio-del-medi-ambient-entre-els-jovens/

Fifth Meeting in Kočevje

12.11. – 15.11.2025.

From 12–15 November, the Kočevje Municipality Tourism and Culture Department (Slovenia) hosted EcoSphere project participants from eight countries (Latvia represented by Rēzekne Municipality). The focus was on cultural and natural heritage protection, including UNESCO-listed primeval beech forests, public education, and youth engagement in awareness-raising activities promoting respectful coexistence with large predators such as bears, wolves, and lynx.

Project leader Iveta Balčūne, manager of Lūznava Manor, emphasized that youth participation is the project’s “central axis.” The Slovenian example demonstrated close cooperation between schools and municipal institutions, with youth research and practical work focused on local heritage values, sustainability, and climate change impacts.

Participants observed practical ecosystem conservation activities, such as tree planting in storm-damaged areas, compost bin construction to reduce bear attraction near homes, and diverse educational walking and cycling routes.

Environmental specialist Artis Strods highlighted Slovenia’s valuable experience in public communication about large predators and risk mitigation, offering insights applicable to Latvia.

The EcoSphere project continues to promote cooperation, knowledge transfer, and innovative youth engagement in cultural and natural heritage conservation.

Iveta Balčūne
Project Manager, EcoSphere
Manager of Lūznava Manor Complex, Rēzekne Municipality

Photos from project archive

Fourth Meeting in Pregrada, Croatia

18.09. – 21.09.2025.

The project “European EcoSphere – Building Youth Community Resilience through Nature Engagement” is an international initiative aimed at engaging youth communities in identifying, protecting, and sustainably developing natural and cultural heritage values. The project runs from February 2025 to December 2027 and involves eight countries: Latvia, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, and Portugal.

From 18–21 September 2025, a significant project event took place in Pregrada, Croatia, focusing on wetland importance and ecological engagement. Participants explored wetland ecosystems, conducted nature education activities, and supported biodiversity conservation goals as part of a broader effort to strengthen youth understanding and resilience in relation to environmental and climate challenges.

Pregrada, located in the Krapina-Zagorje County, is known for its scenic surroundings and cultural heritage. On 19 September 2025, an official reception was held at the town hall with a mayor’s address, followed by presentations by a geographer and geologist on wetlands in Croatia, their ecological significance, conservation efforts, ecosystems, and species. Participants also visited the Eco Basin site.

The group visited the Pregrada kindergarten “Naša Radost,” where a presentation highlighted environmental protection and children’s involvement in conservation, followed by a tour of the grounds showcasing children’s nature exploration.

In the afternoon, a seminar on insect hotel construction, live insect observation, and wetland-related insect species took place at the town hall. Participants built insect hotels using natural materials, gaining hands-on experience in biodiversity conservation.

On 20 September, the group visited Odransko Polje Nature Park, a wetland area hosting both flora and fauna, with approximately 300 plant species recorded. The park is a Natura 2000 site and serves both conservation and educational purposes.

Participants also visited the NATURA SMŽ Education and Presentation Centre in Petrinja, engaging in interactive workshops on youth involvement in wetland protection, habitat restoration, vegetation planting, hydrological restoration, and modern conservation technologies.

A visit to a local farmer provided insight into traditional livestock farming and regional agricultural practices. The group also enjoyed the opening of the “Branje Grojzdja” festival, a city tour, and a concert. The festival celebrates grape harvest traditions through folklore, gastronomy, concerts, and art events.

The experience demonstrated how international cooperation among eight countries fosters best practices and innovation in local communities, motivating youth to actively participate in nature conservation.

Photos from project archive

Third meeting in Latvia

11.07.– 14.07.2025.

From 11–14 July 2025, representatives of the EcoSphere project from seven countries (Spain, Serbia, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Portugal) visited Rēzekne Municipality. The purpose of the visit was to explore educational and interpretive cultural and natural heritage sites in Rēzekne Municipality, examine biodiversity and ecotourism opportunities in the territory of Rāzna National Park, participate in discussions on innovative nature tourism opportunities, and engage youth in the development and testing of new routes.

The visit began with introductory presentations about Rēzekne Municipality, Lūznava Manor, and Rāzna National Park, after which guests continued with hands-on exploration of Latvia’s newest national park — Rāzna National Park — and its ecosystem. At Lūznava Manor, Iveta Balčūne introduced the guests to the manor’s activities as a cultural and natural heritage site and its cooperation platform with youth, communities, entrepreneurs, and creative individuals. Silvestrs Solovjevs (currently completing an NVA internship) presented the engineering exhibition dedicated to manor owner Kerbedz.

Participants experienced the Art and Taste Festival “Art Picnic,” including nature exploration workshops on environmentally friendly management, Latvian forests, and protected plant and animal species of Rāzna National Park. In the EcoSphere tent, nature education specialist Diāna Selecka and Rāzna National Park’s young ranger Una Pranča introduced various ecosystems through ecosystem puzzles and invited participants to learn about other specially protected areas in Latvia.

The group spent an unforgettable evening watching the sunset on Lake Rāzna while sailing on the yacht “Sea Easta.” The evening concluded with stargazing led by Jūlija Tumanovska, who highlighted Rāzna National Park as a place with minimal light pollution, where the water surface of Latvia’s second-largest lake acts as a natural mirror, enhancing stargazing and astrophotography.

On the second day, coinciding with Rāzna National Park Travelers’ Day, participants continued exploring the lake’s ecosystem. In the morning, they took part in a beach-based lake education activity, where Diāna Selecka explained human impact on lake pollution and ways to reduce it. Participants observed species living in Lake Rāzna using specialized equipment.

At the Rāzna National Park Nature Centre in Lipuški, participants explored the underwater world and visited the exhibition, then continued to Mākoņkalns, climbing 300 steps to a viewing platform overlooking Lake Rāzna and the characteristic mosaic landscape of Latgale.

Entrepreneurship is an integral part of the Rāzna ecosystem. Guests learned about L. Litavniece’s business story involving innovative gluten-free and vegan production and wild horse breeding, and visited the rural farm “Itkači,” where rabbit and sheep farming is part of the tourism offering.

In the evaluation of the visit, participants noted they gained a rich understanding of the Rāzna Lake ecosystem, youth engagement in nature education, and numerous creative ideas to implement in their own cultural and nature initiatives. Infrastructure challenges were also highlighted, such as the lack of safe cycling paths around Lake Rāzna and conflicts between private property and public swimming areas, which should be addressed in cooperation with Rēzekne Municipality specialists.

The next step of the EcoSphere project will explore the Croatian example.

Prepared by Iveta Balčūne and Diāna Selecka

Photos and video by: Mareks Rosickis

Second meeting in Niš, Serbia

05.05.– 08.05.2025.

From May 5 to 8, nature education specialist of the Nature Conservation Agency Diāna Selecka and the new ranger of Rāzna National Park Juris Vaņkovs represented Latvia in the project “European EcoSphere - Building Youth Community Resilience through Nature Engagement” in the city of Niš, Serbia, at the invitation of Rēzekne Municipality. The event focused on a highly relevant topic - park revitalization and public participation.

The event brought together project partners from eight countries - Serbia, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Croatia -as well as the head of the Medijana municipal district of Niš, local council members, youth council representatives, and active young people.

Medijana municipality urban planner Saša Petrović reminded participants that a park is a green space intended and specifically equipped for people’s recreation: “About 100 years ago, people in Niš realized that the city was overly polluted, so they gradually began developing public parks. But it must be remembered that a park is not just trees and paths; a park is a place for people’s leisure - children’s playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, places of worship. Today, we involve the local community in park development, especially reaching out to young people and the elderly, as they are often left aside. Every opinion matters, so we think about how to reach these audiences.” Local politicians also emphasized the importance of developing parks as leisure spaces without excessive commercialization such as cafés and other paid services.

With the participation of high school and university students from Niš, project participants discussed problems and searched for solutions together with young people. Representatives from other countries shared their experiences in engaging youth in environmental issues. Participants learned more about the Junior Ranger movement and other forms of youth engagement in Latvia, such as the Youth Parliament and youth self-governance in educational institutions. Representatives from Portugal and Spain admitted that youth participation in their countries is low and listened with great interest to Latvia’s experience.

Youth-led interactive discussions were held on the potential of parks in the Medijana municipality. Project representatives were invited to express their views on improving parks in the city of Niš. An International Youth Working Group for park revitalization was established. In dynamic debates with urban planners, participants developed realistic park design concepts that address community needs and desires.

Project participants visited several parks in Niš. During a creative park activation event in one of the city’s parks -Čair Park, it was clearly demonstrated how a park can become a place for community events and other activities.

“Many thanks to all our partners for their energy, ideas, and commitment! Together, we will continue building greener and more inclusive communities,” said project representative from Serbia Marina Zmajche.

The next project activity will take place in Latvia, when representatives from eight countries will visit Rēzekne Municipality this summer to attend the Art Picnic and Rāzna National Park Travelers’ Days on July 12–13. During the visit, guests will tour the Rāzna National Park Nature Center in Lipuški, take part in a nature exploration hike, visit tourism service providers, and sail on Lake Rāzna. Joint activities with the Junior Rangers of Rāzna National Park are planned during the Art Picnic 2025 event at Lūznava Manor.

First meeting in Pego, Spain

20.02.– 23.02.2025.

In Spain, in the municipality of Pego, we worked in a former 13th-century manor house that has been transformed into a cultural center (Casa de Cultura), which houses an ethnographic museum, contemporary art exhibition spaces, as well as venues for seminars and conferences. We observed how popular local events are among residents, when carnival week - rich in ancient traditions - is announced through the city streets with colorful and humorous costumes and the resonant sound of drums. We also saw how the old tradition of river cleaning has been modernly supplemented with homemade raft competitions and community picnics along the riverbanks. It should be noted that throughout the municipality of Pego, all cultural heritage sites are marked with small, uniformly designed information plaques, signage, and designated tourist routes available for visitors.

Project partners

Latvia – Rezekne Municipality
Spain – The Municipality of Pego
Serbia – Digitalni Dekanteri
Italia – Comune di San Polo di Piave
Slovenia – Javni zavod za turizem in kulturo Kočevje
Croatia – Grad Pregrada
Greece – Municipality of Agia
Portugal– Associacao de Municipios das Terras de Santa Maria