The Project S.T.R.A.T.E.G.Y.: A Common Commitment for Sustainable Tourism in Rural Areas.
Last November, from 15 to 22, the Italian town of Sapri (Salerno, Campania) was the stage for the final event of the project ‘S.T.R.A.T.E.G.Y. - Sustainable Tourism in Rural Through European Green For Young People.’
This Erasmus+ project, co-funded by the European Union, saw the participation of young people from five countries: Italy (Cilento Youth Union and Mimma Dreams APS), Croatia (Mladi za Marof), Bulgaria (Zarika Association), Romania (CERT) and Lithuania (Tavo Europa), who explored the challenges of sustainable tourism in rural areas.
The STRATEGY project consisted of a series of activities aimed at fostering the development of skills in young participants, using a non-formal education approach.
The objective was clear from the outset: to promote tourism that respects the environment, natural resources and cultural traditions, but at the same time can foster the economic and social development of rural areas, in accordance with the Green Deal and the Rural Pact of Europe (2021).
But also: the sharing and dissemination of good practices in the field of non-formal training on sustainable tourism already existing in the different regions of origin of the participants; the development of new skills and innovative strategies of youth involvement, as well as the stimulation of transnational collaborations and networking among participants from partner countries.
Sustainability is a crucial issue because it safeguards resources for future generations and reduces environmental impact, promoting long-term economic and social development.
In the context of tourism it helps preserve the natural landscape, cultural heritage and supports the wellbeing of communities
Participants explored the theme through workshops, visits to eco-farms and nature trails.
The tangible outcome of the project was the development of a sustainable action plan with pilot projects on good practices and a youth activity manual, developed to use non-formal education to improve rural resources while respecting the environment.
The objectives of the manual are to promote awareness of sustainable tourism, provide youth with practical skills, and empower young people as ‘change agents’.
Each activity also explores different aspects of sustainable tourism, encouraging participants to understand their role in preserving natural and cultural resources and supporting local economies.
Obiettivi del manuale sono: la promozione della consapevolezza del turismo sostenibile, il fornire la gioventù di competenze pratiche, nonchè il potenziamento dei giovani come “portatori di cambiamento”
Ogni attività inoltre esplora differenti aspetti del turismo sostenibile, incoraggiando i partecipanti a comprendere il loro ruolo nella preservazione delle risorse naturali e culturali,nel supporto alle economie locali.
Quattro sono le attività pratiche sviluppate:la Culture Clash Activity, l’Ecotrip, Craft & Consciousness e la Bee Challenge.
La prima attività ha avuto al centro la comprensione interculturale, sfidare le presunzioni sulle altre culture analizzandole in modo critico e la costruzione di consapevolezze culturali.
Ecotrip, seconda attività, ha avuto come temi: la consapevolezza riguardante pratiche sostenibili, le competenze di problem-solving, il prendere decisioni eco-consce e il lavoro di squadra /collaborazione.
Craft & Consciousness focused on teaching young adults how to choose and buy sustainable souvenirs by interfacing with local artisans.
The sessions thus emphasised critical consumer thinking and cultural appreciation.
Last but not least, the Bee Challenge activity, which featured bees, involved young participants in a playful way to better understand their interaction with humans and nature.
S.T.R.A.T.E.G.Y. is not only a project that achieved its objectives, but also an example of how collaboration between young people and organisations from different countries can generate innovative solutions to common challenges, such as sustainable tourism, which requires the commitment of everyone: young people, institutions, local businesses and communities.
The project showed that through non-formal education, confrontation and collaboration between different realities, it is possible to build a better future for rural areas, where respect for the environment and socioeconomic development can go hand in hand
In conclusion, the S.T.R.A.T.E.G.Y. project has been an educational experience that has left a lasting mark on the participants, the communities involved and the entire area.
Sustainability, the protection of natural resources and the promotion of rural tourism were themes that, through practical activities and shared reflections, opened up new perspectives for the future of the young generations and of European rural areas.
The project represented a small but significant building block in the construction of a greener and more sustainable Europe, capable of enhancing its natural and cultural heritage.