Learning from Nature, Innovation and Community Action

Main activities of the GANDALF project are:

- Workshops on sustainable living and green technologies

- Community garden initiatives

- Recycling innovation labs

- Renewable energy and eco-design workshops

- Reforestation campaigns

- Youth panels and community events

- International cooperation activities

GANDALF Team at an Erasmus+ Mobility in North Macedonia

From 27–31 July 2026, the GANDALF team participated in an Erasmus+ mobility in Kočani and Skopje, organised as part of the GANDALF – Green Advocacy for Nature’s Development and Learning Framework project.

The mobility was part of the “Hobbits and Sustainable Living Models” work package, focused on promoting minimalism, simpler lifestyles and more responsible consumption among young people.

Over five days, participants from partner organisations in five countries took part in workshops, panel discussions, field activities and the exchange of experiences and good practices related to sustainable living.

The GANDALF team presented examples of good practice from Osijek, including the “Use & Reuse” project, the Solidarity Eco Group Osijek (SEG) and LIVING LAB Podravlje, highlighting practical approaches to reuse, local production, responsible consumption and sustainable community development.

The mobility was also an opportunity to explore how successful ideas and solutions can be adapted to different local communities and contexts.

We thank Citizens Association United Youth for hosting us, their hospitality and the excellent organisation of the mobility.

The GANDALF project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

GANDALF Team at an Erasmus+ Mobility in Antalya, Türkiye

From 26–30 June 2026, the GANDALF team participated in an Erasmus+ mobility in Antalya, Türkiye, as part of the GANDALF – Green Advocacy for Nature’s Development and Learning Framework project.

The mobility brought together partners from Italy, North Macedonia, Portugal, Türkiye and Croatia to continue developing project activities focused on sustainable development, urban gardening and youth participation in creating greener local communities.

As part of the “Hobbits and Sustainable Living Models” work package, participants worked on the development of a Handbook for Urban Gardens and a pilot urban garden model, combining experiences and good practices from all project partners.

The programme included presentations, discussions and group work, as well as field visits to Adrasan, Aspendos and Side. Participants explored topics such as responsible water management, biodiversity, environmental protection, sustainable tourism and the historical use of shared resources.

The mobility provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore how sustainable urban gardening models can be adapted to different local communities.

We thank our hosts and project partners for the successful mobility, hospitality and valuable exchange of experiences.

The GANDALF project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

GANDALF Team at the Kick-off Meeting in Portugal

The GANDALF – Green Advocacy for Nature’s Development and Learning Framework project officially began with a transnational kick-off meeting held in Gandrim, Paredes, Portugal, from 9–13 April 2026.

The Erasmus+ project brings together six partner organisations from Italy, Portugal, Türkiye, Croatia and North Macedonia, working together to promote sustainability education and empower young people to become active contributors to environmental change.

During the meeting, partners presented their organisations, aligned the project vision and methodology, and planned upcoming activities and deliverables.

GANDALF uses a creative narrative inspired by Tolkien’s Hobbits, Elves and Ents to explore different aspects of sustainability: simple and responsible living, innovation and knowledge in harmony with nature, and the protection of forests and biodiversity.

The meeting marked the beginning of three years of international cooperation focused on developing practical educational activities, digital resources and local initiatives that connect young people with sustainability and their communities.

The GANDALF project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

GANDALF Project Launches with Partners Across Europe

The GANDALF – Green Advocacy for Nature’s Development and Learning Framework project officially began on 22 December 2025 with an online meeting bringing together partner organisations from Italy, Portugal, Türkiye, North Macedonia and Croatia.

GANDALF is a three-year Erasmus+ project focused on engaging young people in sustainable living, environmental awareness and social entrepreneurship. Inspired by Tolkien’s Hobbits, Elves and Ents, the project uses a creative narrative approach to explore different aspects of sustainability, from responsible lifestyles and green innovation to biodiversity and forest protection.

The project will run from December 2025 to December 2028, with a total budget of €250,000. During 2026, partners will meet through international mobilities in Paredes, Portugal, Antalya, Türkiye, and Kočani, North Macedonia.

Through workshops, practical activities, exchanges and creative initiatives, the project will develop new educational approaches and resources that connect young people with environmental challenges and encourage them to take an active role in their communities.

The project will also culminate in an exhibition in Croatia, showcasing sustainable products, green innovations and artworks created using recycled materials.

GANDALF brings together six partner organisations around a shared goal: to explore creative and practical ways of building more sustainable, responsible and environmentally aware communities.

The GANDALF project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

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