Sixth Meeting in San Polo di Piave (Italy)

17.04. – 20.04.2026.

International exchange of experience in Italy on river restoration and youth engagement.

From April 17 to 20, the Municipality of San Polo di Piave (Italy) hosted participants of the project “European Ecosphere – Fostering Youth Community Resilience in Connection with Nature” (EcoSphere) from eight countries. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange experience in river ecosystem restoration, sustainable recreation, and the involvement of young people and local communities in preserving natural and cultural heritage.

Based on the agreement with Rēzekne Municipality, Latvia was represented in the project activities in Italy by Senior Nature Education Specialist of the Nature Conservation Agency Regīna Indriķe and Senior State Environmental Inspector of the Latgale Regional Administration Aleksandra Moisejeva.

Papadopoli-Giol Castle and the surrounding park are not only a cultural and historical attraction but also a place for creative and educational community activities. Here we learned about the Lia River and its connection with the Piave River basin, as well as how local heritage can become a resource for the entire community. While analysing community needs and identifying specific target groups, we discussed challenges, possible solutions, and ways to increase public awareness regarding river protection and encourage active citizen participation.

We also had the opportunity to present campaigns implemented by the Nature Conservation Agency, including the campaign “Mission TOAD – Save the Prince!”, and to participate in nature research workshops led by Professors R. Loro and D. Gianni on Lia River water quality studies and the identification of ecological and cultural research sites.

It was interesting to observe how successfully environmental interpretation had integrated the relationship between river biodiversity and cultural heritage – both in the historic park where the Lia River originates and in the wall paintings of San Giorgio Church. Trees growing along the banks of the Lia River are managed differently: on one side they are left undisturbed, while on the opposite bank they are pollarded, ensuring reduced shading and improved circulation of light and air. The creation of such sections takes into account the opinions of experts from different fields (biologists, arborists, and others), while the work itself is carried out by professional tree specialists.

“The local school students introduced us to the tree species growing along the banks of the Lia River, and together we planted eight trees (corresponding to the number of project partner countries) in the riverbank buffer zone,” noted Regīna Indriķe.

“An interesting experience was also gained at the hydroelectric power station in Nervesa della Battaglia, where experts from Consorzio di Bonifica explained how an innovative fish passage system ensures the protection of local species and balances renewable energy production with the ecological health of the river. An excellent example of environmental restoration and recreation could be seen at the former dolomite quarry, which has been transformed into the ‘Oasi Campagnola’ reservoir and recreational area.”

Aleksandra Moisejeva added that participation in the EcoSphere project was an inspiring and valuable experience. Practical activities within the river ecosystem, tree planting, and the active involvement of young people clearly demonstrated the power of cooperation and shared responsibility for nature. The project provided not only new knowledge but also confidence that sustainable solutions for river protection can and should be developed together with local communities and young people.

We would like to thank Rēzekne Municipality for the opportunity to gain valuable experience in knowledge transfer, research activities, community and youth engagement, while strengthening understanding of sustainable river management and recreation development on a European scale.

Prepared by: Regīna Indriķe

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

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.