As part of the project, students from Slovakia, Romania, Czechia, Lithuania, and Spain participated in a series of environmental activities designed to increase awareness of climate change, sustainability, and the importance of protecting natural ecosystems. Through field trips, interviews, clean-up campaigns, and educational visits, students gained first-hand experience of environmental challenges while developing practical skills as young eco-explorers.
In Slovakia, students from class 1.CV explored the natural surroundings between Košické Hámry and Malá Lodina to observe the effects of human activity on the environment. During their eco-trip, they discovered litter scattered along roadsides, including bags of waste, cans, and plastic bottles polluting the Ružín water reservoir. The group also had the unique opportunity to visit the Ružín Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant, an experience rarely available to visitors. The excursion helped students understand that protecting nature begins with changing individual behaviour, as environmental damage ultimately affects everyone’s quality of life.
In Romania, students focused on sustainable industry and recycling by visiting Extruplast in Ulmeni, Maramureș. The company, which manufactures PVC profiles using environmentally friendly technologies and recycled materials, welcomed students to learn about modern recycling processes and sustainable production methods. As part of the project, students also created awareness videos and interviewed company representatives, gaining valuable insight into how businesses can contribute to reducing environmental impact.
Students from Czechia, known as the “Eco-Explorers,” travelled to the Veronica Ecological Center in Hostětín, located in the White Carpathians. The eco-village serves as a model of sustainable living, allowing students to experience environmental protection in practice. Equipped with cameras and microphones, they documented innovative ecological projects such as the biomass heating plant, reed-bed wastewater treatment system, passive houses, and renewable energy solutions. They also interviewed environmental experts and photographed the Nature Garden of Senses, producing media content that demonstrates the successful balance between technology and nature.
In Lithuania, students from Kulautuva Basic School attended the Youth Sustainability Festival in Vilnius together with their teacher. The festival introduced participants to innovative ideas promoting sustainable lifestyles, science, culture, health, and environmental responsibility. Through inspiring lectures, discussions, and workshops, students discovered how individual creativity and collective action can help build healthier and more sustainable communities. The experience further strengthened their role as eco-explorers within the Erasmus+ CREATE project.
Spain also organized a dedicated Eco-Trip, held from 18 to 22 November, during which participating students explored local forests and Mediterranean scrubland surrounding the project area. The educational excursion aimed to raise awareness of the importance of conserving these valuable natural habitats and encouraged students to appreciate the biodiversity of Mediterranean ecosystems while understanding the need for their long-term protection.
Together, these activities demonstrate the shared commitment of Erasmus+ CREATE partners to environmental education and sustainability. By combining outdoor learning, scientific observation, community service, media production, and international cooperation, students have become more informed, responsible, and proactive citizens. The project has shown that every action—whether cleaning a riverbank, documenting sustainable technologies, or learning about recycling—contributes to building a healthier planet for future generations.
