Within the framework of the international project “EcoYOU: Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour,” environmental activities were carried out in Moldova and Romania from June 16-19, 2025. The events involved representatives of the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG) and field experts alongside local participants.
In Moldova, from June 16-18, discussions were held on biodiversity and ecologically responsible behavior, and a training session was conducted on organizing an eco-camp. Participants actively engaged in focus groups, discussing key environmental issues, and exploring potential solutions. Simultaneously, a joint camp was organized to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and practical experience.
The activities continued in Romania on June 18-19, where similar events took place, including a cleanup campaign aimed at encouraging community involvement. In both countries, significant attention was given to meetings on the theme “8 Overtime Hours for Positive Environmental Impact.” Participants listened to the experiences of environmental professionals and worked in focus groups, where young people had the opportunity to express their views on local ecological challenges and innovative solutions.
Representing Georgia were Tatiana Bokuchava, Deputy Executive Director of NALAG and Project Manager; Mariam Jincharadze, NALAG’s International Projects Development Manager and Project Assistant; Soso Mezvrisvili, President of the Young Researchers and Analysts Union.; and Khatuna Akhalaia, an ecotoxicologist.
Notably, the events in Moldova and Romania were preceded by similar activities in Georgia, implemented as part of the project’s phased approach. The project, funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, is coordinated in Georgia by NALAG. It is also implemented in Moldova and Romania, managed by local organizations: the Agency for Cross-Border Cooperation and European Integration (Moldova), Pro Natura Association (Galați), and the NGO Mare Nostrum Ecology (Constanța).
The goal of “EcoYOU” is to strengthen transnational cooperation among environmental organizations, educational institutions, public entities, and youth groups. Special emphasis is placed on reducing microplastic pollution and promoting sustainable environmental practices in the Black Sea Basin countries.