CLYMACT in Croatia: young people turn environmental challenges into concrete proposals

From 19 to 22 October 2026, Unione Reno Galliera took part in the sixth and final in-person international meeting of the European CLYMACT project, held in Podstrana, Croatia, and hosted by the Municipality of Podstrana, near Split. The event brought together young people, local government representatives, experts and project partners from Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia and Hungary to exchange ideas on waste prevention, environmental awareness and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles.

The Italian delegation consisted of ten participants: two mayors, two technical representatives from Unione Reno Galliera and six young Ambassadors. As the project’s lead partner, Unione Reno Galliera has coordinated a European initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between young people and local authorities and encouraging the active participation of younger generations.

From workshops to concrete proposals

The meeting began with partner organisations sharing experiences from their respective regions on waste management and prevention, as well as environmental awareness initiatives, complemented by contributions from local experts.

At the heart of the event were the participatory workshops, during which the young Ambassadors worked in thematic groups to develop ideas and proposals that could be adapted to the needs of their own communities.

Five topics were explored: green influencing and the digital footprint, including reflections on greenwashing and the environmental impact of online activities; sustainable fashion, focusing on alternatives to fast fashion such as clothes swapping, repairing and reusing; and reducing food waste, with solutions involving meal planning, composting and the redistribution of surplus food.

The other groups focused on sustainable events and plastic-free travel, identifying strategies to reduce single-use products and encourage responsible behaviour, and on local environmental campaigns, exploring how social media and collective initiatives can be used to engage local communities.

Young people driving change

The workshops generated numerous concrete proposals: promoting platforms for swapping and reusing items, organising clothing repair and swap events, encouraging the redistribution of surplus food, reducing plastic use at events and developing engaging environmental awareness campaigns.

The discussions highlighted the importance of cooperation between young people, local authorities, schools, businesses and local organisations in making sustainable choices easier and more accessible. The ideas developed could provide a starting point for future initiatives across the partner communities.

A particularly meaningful moment was the presentation of certificates to the young Ambassadors, recognising their commitment and participation in the CLYMACT project. The experience gave them the opportunity to deepen their understanding of environmental issues, develop communication and teamwork skills, and build relationships with their peers from other European countries.

Exploring the local area: the coastline affected by the wildfire

Alongside the working sessions, the meeting also provided opportunities for social interaction and exploration of the local area, including a boat trip along the coast near Podstrana.

During the excursion, participants were able to observe the area affected by the severe wildfire of summer 2026 and reflect on the consequences of such events for the environment and local communities.

The experience connected the issues addressed by the project with the environmental challenges facing the local area, highlighting the importance of prevention, awareness and cooperation in protecting the natural environment.

Towards the end of the project: final event on 10 December

The Podstrana meeting marked the end of CLYMACT’s in-person international meetings, but not of the work set in motion by the project. The skills developed and relationships established provide a valuable foundation for continuing to promote sustainability and youth participation in local communities.

The next event will take place on 10 December 2026, when the project will conclude with an online event. Partners and participants will look back on the main stages of CLYMACT through a video featuring images, testimonials and memorable moments from the international meetings.

From food poverty to waste prevention, CLYMACT has demonstrated how European cooperation can turn shared challenges into opportunities for dialogue and action.

The final message is clear: young people are not merely the citizens of tomorrow, but are already playing an active role today in building more sustainable and inclusive communities.