Sustainability education promotions with outdoor education methods for better health of the Baltic Sea

Funding source: Nordplus Horizontal 2024

Project ID: NPHZ-2024/10120

Project period: May 2024 – Apr 2025

Total allocation: 70 584 EUR

Leading partner: 

• Tartu Environmental Education Centre (EE, Foundation).
  Project coordinator: Gedy Matisen (gedy.matisen@tartuloodusmaja.ee)

Co-operating partners:

• For a clean Lithuania, NGO (LT, NGO)
  Project manager: Milda Nutautienė  (info@savebaltic.eu) 
• Norrtälje Nature Conservation Foundation (SE, NGO)
  Project manager: Lotta Andersson (lotta@norrtaljenaturcentrum.se)

Project summary:

This is a comprehensive project aimed at advancing environmental and outdoor education for all, fostering sustainability, and promoting cross-cultural collaboration. Through the organization of three educational events in Norrtälje (19.06.2024), Tallinn (16.10.2024), and Klaipeda (13.12.2024) to support the “Save the Baltic Sea” initiative, the project provides hands-on workshops, citizen science opportunities, coastal clean-ups, panel discussions, and lectures addressing the state of the Baltic Sea. 

These events serve as platforms for cross-sectoral educators and learners, enhancing basic skills in science, social responsibility, and cultural insight. The emphasis on the Baltic Sea’s condition fosters awareness and deepens participants’ understanding of environmental issues which are needed for green growth and sustainable development.

Additionally, the development of new teaching/learning materials, including an educational program on Baltic regions’ erratic boulders and 6 outdoor ecology research “mobile classrooms”, contributes to skill enhancement and environmental awareness. These materials, intended for translation and online sharing, enable mutual learning and capacity building for organizations involved in outdoor education. 

The project’s coordination, management, and networking, facilitated through 12 online and two physical meetings, further enhance professional development. The activities not only disseminate information but also promote cultural exchange and mutual learning among participants from diverse regions, professions and backgrounds to foster social sustainability.

Furthermore, a global online dissemination webinar widens the project’s impact. This initiative reaches a broad audience, fostering environmental awareness, sharing best practices, and showcasing successful initiatives. The integrated approach ensures that the project’s goals, including social sustainability and responsibility toward the Baltic Sea, resonate globally. By eliminating redundancy and maximizing engagement, the project emerges as a dynamic force in environmental education, leaving a lasting impact on participants, organizations, and the wider public.