Ambassadors for Change Erasmus+

 
The "Ambassadors of Change" project was a 10-day training program created to build a resilient European network dedicated to sustainable agriculture and combating the environmental impacts of conventional farming. Developed by Northern Lights NPO in Saint-Nizier-Le-Bouchoux, France, the project aimed to inspire a shift toward agroecological practices, which are critical in addressing issues like soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water mismanagement, all of which contribute to climate change. Through hands-on training and workshops, participants learned methods such as agroforestry, minimal tilling, and maintaining permanent vegetation cover, focusing on practices that improve soil fertility and enhance biodiversity.

A key goal of the project was to unite youth workers, project leaders, and young people from across Europe to form a supportive network of agroecology ambassadors. This network empowers participants to spread knowledge of sustainable farming practices within their communities and to bridge the isolation often experienced by rural farmers. By connecting stakeholders from various backgrounds, the project encouraged collaboration and knowledge exchange, strengthening Europe’s agroecological landscape. The initiative also aligned with the EU’s Rural Pact, emphasizing the importance of rural areas in the fight against climate change.

The "Ambassadors of Change" project also addressed Europe’s high youth unemployment rates by equipping participants with valuable skills in sustainable agriculture, a growing field with increasing job opportunities. By training youth workers in agroecological practices, the project aimed to provide them with meaningful work and empower them to contribute to the EU’s sustainable development goals.

In total, 36 participants aged 25 to 45 from seven European countries took part in the program. Efforts were made to ensure gender balance and include people with fewer opportunities. By creating a strong network of agroecology ambassadors, the project has contributed to the growth of a more sustainable, interconnected European agricultural community, committed to environmental resilience and solidarity.