Author name: EKO Greece

George Andreou, Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI) SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW In this interview, George Andreou discussed the role of sports (rock climbing) in building a connection with nature and raising environmental awareness. He highlighted significant environmental challenges such as waste management, climate change, and deforestation. George emphasized that integrating environmental themes into sports activities can encourage youth to adopt sustainable practices. He also outlined practical steps for youth workers, including staying informed, collaborating with environmental organizations, and making activities engaging, to inspire young people to take responsibility for protecting the environment. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Introduction and Experience within Youthwork, Sport, and Environment George’s journey into the vertical world began two decades ago, a quest to explore the limits of human potential. Since then, his passion has taken him across the globe, climbing and mountaineering in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations. Now, as a Rock-Climbing Instructor, he shares his hard-won experience and expertise with others, driven by a deep belief in the power of rock climbing to enrich the lives of climbers, outdoor enthusiasts, and local communities alike. In your opinion, what are the main environmental challenges our community is facing? Here are some of the most pressing issues for our community that are interconnected with one way or another: Waste Management as the improper disposal and recycling contributes to pollution and waste of resources. Climate Change leading to rising local temperatures, changing weather patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events. Water Pollution from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal poses a threat to both human health and ecosystems. Air Pollution as urban areas often suffer from poor air quality due to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and other sources causing significant health issues. A Growing Local Population puts increasing pressure on resources and ecosystems. Deforestation as the clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and other purposes has significant environmental consequences, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Land Degradation as the soil erosion, desertification, contamination, use for alternative energy sources can reduce the productivity of land, impacting agriculture and food security. Loss of Biodiversity due to pollution, climate change and overhunting contributing to the decline of plant and animal species, threatening the balance of ecosystems. In what ways do you think sport can contribute to environmental education for youth? By integrating environmental education into sports. By engaging in outdoor sports, people develop a stronger connection with the natural world and are more likely to care about its preservation. By raising awareness when using high profile athletes as role models to speak about environmental issues.  By inspiring action when using sporting events as platforms to communicate environmental messages and initiatives. By promoting environmentally sustainable practices in sports such as minimizing waste. What steps should we, as youth workers, take to effectively implement these ideas and tackle environmental challenges? Step 1: Educate ourselves and stay updated on environmental issues. Step 2: Integrate environmental themes into sport activities. Step 3: Promote sustainable practices in sports. Step 4: Engage youth in environmental action through youth led projects. Step 5: Collaborations and Partnerships with environmental organizations, local communities and other youth workers in environmental education. Step 6: Making it fun and engaging through focused actions and activities. Step 7: Evaluation and reflection to monitor the impact of your environmental education, to improve your programs and adapt your strategies when necessary.   Closing Statement/Suggestions Environmental education through sports offers a unique and powerful way to engage youth with critical ecological issues. By connecting physical activity with environmental awareness, we can foster a deeper appreciation for nature, promote sustainable practices, and empower young people to become active stewards of the planet. This approach not only enhances their physical and mental well-being but also equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the environmental challenges of our time, creating a generation that values and protects the natural world.

Dr. Maria Psychogiou, ACADEMIC / ENVIRONMENT, Environmental expert and researcher QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Introduction and Experience within Youthwork, Sport, and Environment I am an educator with many years of experience and I am currently a member of the pedagogical team of the Environmental Education Center in Argyroupoli, Athens. I hold a Ph.D. in Geology teaching and my main research focuses on informal, outdoor education on Earth sciences. I have published articles on experiential learning, the incorporation of field trips in the school curriculum, and innovative ways to teach climate change. I have taken part in several Erasmus+ youth exchanges as a leader as well as in training courses, the last one being “Mindul Nature”. I am a nature lover and a winter swimmer, I practice mindfulness in nature, go hiking, and spend as much time as I can outdoors. I recently took up tai chi and often practice it in the open, taking advantage of both working out and enjoying the physical environment. I have a deep insight into environmental education and this is why I have become an enthusiastic advocate for experiential learning in nature. Young people nowadays lack contact with nature and fail to realize that our livelihood as human beings is intertwined with the protection of the environment. My mission as an educator is to employ as many techniques as I can to make this clear and combine outdoor activities and sports in doing so. In your opinion, what are the main environmental challenges our community is facing? I live in Alimos which is a suburb of Athens, near the sea. Although it is not as densely populated as the city center, still it faces several significant environmental challenges. Firstly, the issue of coastal and marine pollution. There have been several pollution incidents due to naval accidents or sewage leakage to the sea because of floods after heavy rainfall. All of these affect the Saronic Gulf and threaten marine ecosystems. Another serious problem is the overdevelopment and the loss of green spaces. In particular, the development of the old Athens airport site which is currently underway, leads to limited green areas, worsening air quality and altering the microclimate of the whole area, since buildings have been constructed along the waterfront, obstructing sea breeze and causing the urban heat island effect. Unfortunately, while works for this development are in progress, the main outdoor sports center of the south district – Agios Kosmas – has been turned into a residential area creating a huge negative impact not only on the environment but also on athletes and common people who used it to work out daily. In what ways do you think sport can contribute to environmental education for youth? Sport can be a powerful tool for environmental education among youth in several ways. The most important one is that sports like hiking, trail running, and kayaking or rafting encourage outdoor and nature-based activities. This way, love for nature and the environment can be cultivated. In addition, by organizing “green” sports events sustainability can be promoted as well as increased awareness. Moreover, activities in parks, forests, and coastal areas help youth appreciate and protect natural spaces. Athletes and sports teams can act as role models to promote environmental responsibility and advocate for sustainability. It is quite easy to incorporate environmental awareness into sports and by doing so to help young people develop lifelong habits that benefit both their health and the planet. What steps should we, as youth workers, take to effectively implement these ideas and tackle environmental challenges? Sports clubs and other sports facilities can adopt solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting in facilities thus, developing an eco-friendly infrastructure. Young athletes can be taught about best practices for sustainability in other areas of their lives as well. This can be achieved through the incorporation of environmental challenges into sports initiatives such as the organization of an eco-marathon or plogging (picking up litter while jogging) or even a tree planting initiative. Even hosting workshops or competitions that encourage young athletes to propose solutions for greener sports can strengthen efforts to combat environmental issues. Closing Statement/Suggestions/Remarks/Personal thoughts-wishes Tackling the serious environmental problems of our time can only be achieved through environmental education and sports can be used as a means to educate people, raise awareness, and shape actively engaged youth. My greatest ambition as an educator is to make students realize that they are part of the intertwined Earth systems and use a holistic approach to teaching about the environment to inspire them to take action and be part of the solution.

Mr. Konstantinos Louvaris, YOUTH /SPORT, Youth educator QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Introduction and Experience within Youthwork, Sport, and Environment My name is Kostas Louvaris, and I am an educator and researcher in the field of teaching geosciences, currently working at secondary education in Greece. I have been actively involved in youth work for several years, particularly through my role in developing educational programs at the “Kakogiannio” Planetarium and Observatory of Hypati. My commitment to fostering a love for science among young learners is reflected in my efforts to create engaging educational materials and organize school visits. Additionally, I have participated in various Erasmus+ projects that focus on social inclusion and environmental awareness, such as “Mindful Nature,” where I collaborate with diverse teams to promote sustainability and responsible citizenship among youth. In the realm of sports, I am a passionate basketball player and referee for local basketball leagues. My involvement in sports extends beyond playing. I believe that sports teach essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. I actively encourage youth participation in sports as a means of promoting physical fitness and mental well-being. Through my work in schools, I emphasize the importance of balancing academics with extracurricular activities, helping students develop their talents and interests in sports. As an advocate for environmental education, I have participated in numerous initiatives aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues among students. I am a member of the “Path to Nature” environmental group, which focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle through engagement with nature. My experience includes organizing workshops, participating in environmental competitions, and leading outdoor activities that connect young people with their surroundings. I am dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to learn about and contribute to the preservation of our natural environment, fostering a generation that values sustainability and ecological responsibility. In your opinion, what are the main environmental challenges our community is facing? Communities are increasingly facing significant environmental challenges that impact both public health and the natural ecosystem. One of the most pressing issues is pollution, which encompasses air, water, and soil contamination from industrial activities, agricultural runoff, and waste disposal. Poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues, while contaminated water supplies can pose serious risks to human health and local wildlife. In addition, inadequate waste management practices result in overflowing landfills and increased plastic pollution, further exacerbating environmental degradation and harming local habitats. Another major challenge is climate change, which is manifested in rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting precipitation patterns. These changes can lead to more frequent and severe flooding, droughts, and heat waves, placing additional strain on community infrastructure and resources. Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction and environmental stressors threatens local ecosystems, disrupting the balance of nature and diminishing the resilience of communities to adapt to these changes. Addressing these challenges requires collective action, innovative solutions, and a commitment to sustainability to ensure a healthier environment for future generations. In what ways do you think sport can contribute to environmental education for youth? Sports can play a significant role in environmental education for young people by promoting awareness and appreciation of the natural world. Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and climbing encourages young people to connect with their surroundings and understand the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. Through these experiences, participants can learn about local flora and fauna, the impact of climate change, and the significance of conservation efforts. Additionally, sports often emphasize teamwork and cooperation, fostering a sense of community that can extend to environmental stewardship, and encouraging youth to work together on projects that benefit their local environment. Adventure tourism, which often incorporates various sports and outdoor activities, can further enhance environmental education by providing unique opportunities for immersive learning experiences. When youth participate in adventure tourism activities, they often encounter breathtaking landscapes and ecosystems that highlight the need for sustainable practices. Organizations that focus on adventure tourism can integrate educational components into their programs, teaching participants about the environmental impacts of their activities and the importance of minimizing their footprint. This hands-on approach can inspire young people to become advocates for environmental protection, as they experience firsthand the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Moreover, sports organizations and adventure tourism companies can collaborate with schools and community groups to develop programs that emphasize environmental awareness. By organizing events such as eco-friendly sports competitions or outdoor clean-up initiatives, they can engage youth in meaningful activities that promote sustainability. These collaborations can also encourage the development of skills such as leadership and responsibility, as young participants take on roles in planning and executing environmentally focused events. Ultimately, integrating sports and adventure tourism into environmental education can empower youth to become proactive in protecting the environment, fostering a generation that values sustainability and conservation. What steps should we, as youth workers, take to effectively implement these ideas and tackle environmental challenges? As youth workers, the first step to effectively implement ideas for environmental education and tackle challenges is to foster awareness and understanding of environmental issues among young people. This can be achieved by organizing workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities that highlight the importance of sustainability, conservation, and the impact of climate change. Collaborating with local environmental organizations can provide valuable resources and expertise, helping to create engaging educational programs that resonate with youth. Additionally, integrating environmental themes into existing sports and outdoor activities can create meaningful connections, allowing young people to learn about ecological issues while enjoying physical engagement with nature. Another crucial step is to develop inclusive and accessible programs that encourage participation from all youth, including those with fewer opportunities and disabilities. By ensuring that activities are designed to accommodate diverse needs, we can foster a sense of belonging and encourage everyone to engage in environmental education. Moreover, youth workers should actively seek partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local governments to create initiatives that promote sustainability in various settings. This collaborative approach not only amplifies the

NAME: Hélder Filipe Ramada Martins ROLE:  Encanto Radical – Association – TreasurerSPECIALISATION: Primary School Teacher, Physical Education, Specialising in Special Education Introduction and Experience in Working with Young People, Sport and the Environment Hélder Martins is the founder of Encanto Radical – Associação, created on 28-11-2011. He was Chairman of the Board for the first eight years, and over these years has developed and coordinated various sports, recreational, entertainment and leisure activities. We highlight the practice of Canoeing, Canyoning, Extreme Activities, Hiking, Beach Volleyball, Futsal, Paintball, Orienteering and Mountain Biking, among other entertainment and leisure activities.  As part of his professional experience, he has taught Physical Education in various schools and more recently he has been working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs, as part of Inclusive Education.  As for his associative work, he is a member of other youth associations, having set up this Association in 2011, where he and other members have promoted holidays on the move, coordinated activities in Free Time Occupation programmes, promoted and promoted training activities for young people, as well as accompanying and monitoring Youth Volunteering Programmes in Nature and Forests. In the sports area, it has developed a range of radical outdoor activities, such as climbing, sliding, abseiling, adventure bridges, archery, paintball and other traditional and leisure games.  As far as the environment and sport are concerned, it lists the walks it has organised over the years, and next March it is organising the XIV Spring Walk, always allied to concepts of protecting and preserving nature and forests, with the aim of promoting sustainable practices, protecting and promoting the environment, health and the preservation of ecosystems.  In your opinion, what are the main environmental challenges our community faces? Above all, there is a need to make the community aware that each and every one of us can make a difference. We can all contribute something, whether it’s rethinking the way we use certain resources, refusing to use plastics, reducing drinking water, reusing equipment or even recycling and repurposing equipment that could otherwise be thrown away. All of these aspects are important, and above all we must set an example and spread our good deeds so that others follow in our footsteps. Young people are aware that they have to do something to preserve and protect the environment, and it’s also up to them to implement and promote a policy of preservation and promotion of sustainable practices. How do you think sport can contribute to young people’s environmental education? Sport has been a key element in stimulating actions where environmental issues can be the focus of human attention. Increasingly, biodiversity and the preservation of ecosystems are being promoted and protected, and sustainable environmental practices are being instilled through sport. In our case, hiking, water sports, canyoning and canoeing are the sporting activities that have the greatest impact on their practitioners, and on which we focus and promote the environment, nature and health through physical activity or sport.  What steps should we take to effectively implement these ideas and tackle environmental challenges? The next steps are to create activities in which we promote environmental sustainability policies through sport, culture, the arts and other areas, so that they can be an element in promoting education, values and attitudes.  Speaking of Encanto Radical – Associação, in our environmental axis, we have actions planned to energise and promote environmental sustainability. We have the Box of Nature Guardians, which aims to create a team that is alert to environmental crimes, monitors and accompanies actions where we protect and promote nature. We then organise walks and aquatic hikes in close proximity to nature and its ecosystems, always in accordance with the policy of leaving the least impact on the surrounding environment. We will also be promoting the reduction of consumption and promoting sustainability in terms of certain natural resources. We will energise and promote Heritage, the Environment and Nature by publicising spaces that are in their natural state. We will promote the 5Rs, Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, with a view to promoting environmental education. We will have photo environmental awards, an ‘I Draw in Nature’ workshop and actions with partners, where we will organise the ‘One School, One Garden’ actions.  With our reformulated and restructured programme, we will certainly change mentalities and promote actions that enable human beings to take a different stance on the need to promote education in environmental sustainability.  Final Statement/Suggestions The promotion of sport is and will always be an asset for the propagation and dynamisation of activities that promote environmental education, so we understand that this dynamisation promotes knowledge, understanding, develops skills and motivation to acquire values and attitudes, which are necessary to deal with environmental issues and/or problems and thus find sustainable solutions.

NAME: Ricardo Miguel Antunes da Cunha Rodrigues de SousaROLE: SYnergia PORTUGAL President | CIEAV (Interpretative Center and Environmental Education of Verim) CoordinatorSPECIALISATION: Degree in Sports Management Introduction and Experience in Working with Young People, Sport and the Environment Over the years, I have worked actively in developing youth projects, combining environmental education, sport and community participation. I believe that hands-on learning and involving young people in outdoor activities are essential to promoting greater ecological awareness and the adoption of sustainable habits. At the Verim Interpretive and Environmental Education Centre (CIEAV), we have been implementing actions that unite sustainability, education and well-being, empowering young people to be agents of change in their communities. Sport is a powerful tool for connecting with nature, promoting active lifestyles and respect for the environment. In your opinion, what are the main environmental challenges facing our community? The environmental challenges we face are diverse, but I would highlight three main ones: Excessive consumption of resources and waste production – Waste and lack of effective recycling are still a significant problem, affecting the quality of the local environment. Pollution and degradation of natural spaces – Rivers, forests and coastal areas suffer from pollution, often as a result of a lack of awareness and irresponsible behaviour. Lack of environmental awareness among the younger generation – Despite advances in environmental education, there is still a lack of knowledge about sustainable practices and the impact of individual actions on the environment. Change starts with local action and education, which is why integrating sustainability into sports and youth activities can be an effective way of tackling these challenges. How do you think sports can contribute to young people’s environmental education? Sport plays a fundamental role in young people’s environmental education because: It promotes a connection with nature – Outdoor activities such as canoeing, stand-up paddling, hiking, cycling and trail running encourage respect for and appreciation of the environment. Teaches sustainability values – Practices such as eco-sports, and plogging, where participants collect rubbish during their run or walk, can be powerful examples of direct action. Reduces the ecological footprint – Using sustainable materials, reusing sports equipment and raising awareness of ‘zero waste’ events are effective ways of educating through sport. Creates a sense of responsibility – Healthy competition and teamwork help young people understand that their individual actions have an impact on the collective, a concept that applies to environmental preservation. The key is to turn sport into a tool that goes beyond physical performance, becoming an instrument for building citizens who are aware of and committed to the environment. What steps should we take to effectively implement these ideas and tackle environmental challenges? Include sustainability in sporting events – Encourage green competitions, where all participants make sustainable commitments, such as using reusable bottles, reducing plastic and cleaning up the natural spaces used. Create training programmes for coaches and young athletes – Raise awareness among coaches, teachers and athletes about sustainable sports practices and the impact of sports on the environment. Supporting ecological sports infrastructure and materials – Encouraging the use of preserved natural spaces for physical activities and promoting the development of sustainable equipment. Carry out ecological volunteering activities linked to sport – Ecological walks, competitions with litter picking (plogging), reforestation after sporting events and awareness campaigns with clubs and schools. Involve the community – Create partnerships between schools, sports clubs, environmental organisations and municipalities to ensure that environmental education becomes an integral part of local sporting activities.   Final Statement/Suggestions I believe that the S.T.E.L.L.A project has enormous potential to transform the way young people perceive sport and sustainability. Integrating ecological practices into sports education not only improves the health and well-being of participants but also creates a positive impact on the planet. I suggest that the project explore the creation of a practical guide for sports clubs, with suggestions for ecological practices, and encourage the realisation of environmental sports challenges that can involve different communities. With everyone’s cooperation, we can make sport an instrument for environmental and social change!

Tiberio Daddi, Associate Professor in Sustainability Management at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy, expert in environmental management systems and project manager in the field of sport and environment. SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW Tiberio Daddi, associate professor in the well-known University of Sant’Anna from Pisa, Italy, provides his expertise in the field of environmental management strategies and project management related to actions creating synergies between sport and environmental education, underlining the complexity of the topic as well as the richness in opportunities for youth in being engaged actively in these topics contributing to an important long-lasting impact. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Introduction and Experience within Youthwork, Sport, and Environment I am a graduate in Economics with a specialization in Environmental Economics in the University of Florence and have a Master in Management and Control of the Environment in the University of Sant’Anna, and a PhD in Economics and Management focused on environmental management systems. My research interests focus on corporate environmental management, sustainable consumption and production, environmental footprint, performance, LCA, and circular economy.  My current role as an Associate Professor naturally involves continuous engagement with young people through teaching, mentoring, and supervising undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. Supporting the next generation of sustainability leaders is a core part of my work.   In addition to my academic work, I manage several international projects, mainly funded by the European Commission, and have served as a project evaluator for EU programs. Over the last several years, my research group has also seized significant opportunities to connect sports and sustainability. Initially, our work focused on football, but over time, we expanded our research to include a variety of sports, such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, biathlon, athletics, and more.   I’m also a partner in a spin-off company of Sant’Anna University, which specializes in environmental management consulting. I am an accredited third-party environmental auditor for ISO 14001 and EMAS standards, and I’ve published more than 50 articles. In your opinion, what are the main environmental challenges our community is facing? Sustainability encompasses many different aspects, and it goes beyond widely discussed issues like climate change and global warming.  While these are certainly critical, there are numerous other environmental challenges and opportunities that our community faces but may overlook or fail to address effectively, like the loss of biodiversity or overconsumption of natural resources. Additionally, one significant issue is the proliferation of sustainability initiatives, which can lead to confusion and fragmentation in efforts. Many organizations and individuals find it difficult to navigate this complex landscape without the expertise needed, often resulting in mere misleading communication initiatives rather than concrete actions.  On the other hand, this can be seen as an opportunity for young people who want to approach sustainability, as specialized expertise will be increasingly demanded, offering them the chance to play a key role in driving innovative solutions and shaping a sustainable future. In what ways do you think sport can contribute to environmental education for youth? My experience has confirmed that sport is a powerful vehicle for environmental education. In many of the projects I’ve worked on, we’ve seen directly how sports can engage young people and raise awareness about sustainability. Research findings also show that sports encourage teamwork and discipline but can also foster a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. The values of sports are deeply aligned with the principles of sustainability, and sports can have a dual role by working with local authorities to improve the quality of cities through sustainable sporting events, and engaging athletes as key testimonials to positively influence behaviors of local communities. Also, there are many joint initiatives between sports organisations and schools or universities, which help integrate sustainability into education and foster environmental awareness among young people.  What steps should we, as youth workers, take to effectively implement these ideas and tackle environmental challenges? I think that an open and flexible mindset is essential for understanding the specific needs of both organizations and individuals. Sometimes, sustainability is perceived as a huge, complex, and expensive effort, which can discourage people from even trying. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that small steps are better than doing nothing at all. By encouraging gradual changes and showing how even small actions can make a big difference, also within an organisation, we can better engage them and drive the change.  Closing Statement/Suggestions I encourage everyone, especially youth workers, to be curious, stay informed, keep an open mind, and remember that no action is too small when it comes to making a positive impact. Collaboration is also key in this field, as innovative solutions often arise from the contamination of ideas from different sectors.

Michele Zucca, President of Giunone Soc Coop, manager of the Center for Environmental Education of the Municipality of Genoni, and Director of the Museum Cavallino della Giara.   SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW Michele Zucca, expert on environmental education from the small city of Genoni in Sardinia, Italy, provides his points of view on how important it is to  strive for environmental education for young people. Moreover, he underlines how sport can be used as a way to compare similar values in environmental awareness and inspire young generations to be more active and careful within it. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Introduction and Experience within Youthwork, Sport, and EnvironmentI have a degree in Philosophy with a specialization in museum management and museum education. For over 20 years, I have been involved in museum management and museum education. The museum facilities we manage through Giunone Soc Coop specialize in activities for families, children, residential summer camps, and schools. Our organization is part of HandsOn! International Association of Children in Museums. Through our museums and CEAS, we conduct various educational workshops on environmental themes and participate in regional projects focused on sustainability and environmental care. In your opinion, what are the main environmental challenges our community is facing? The major challenges are certainly related to climate change and the need to educate people about respecting the environment and others. In what ways do you think sport can contribute to environmental education for youth? Sport is both a personal challenge and a moment of teamwork and cohesion. It teaches young people to face life with commitment, to achieve their goals through dedication, and to respect their teammates and opponents with a healthy sense of sportsmanship. These same values can be applied to instilling respect for the environment. So, in this sense, it’s easy to use sport as a way to compare environmental education and inspire young people through it. What steps should we, as youth workers, take to effectively implement these ideas andtackle environmental challenges? As environmental educators, I think we have the duty to raise awareness among young people about respecting the environment, not only from an evolutionary perspective but  also from ethical and moral standpoints. Closing Statement/Suggestions Interacting with young people from different parts of the world helps foster curiosity, respect for others, and the elimination of unfounded fears toward diversity. It also encourages them to aim for high-level goals and global collaboration. Therefore, opening minds of young people through intercultural encounters and exchange of points of view with peers from other countries can be a great way to drive change, especially when they are part of small and rural communities.

David Agius Hon. David Agius is the Deputy Speaker of the Maltese Parliament and a Member of Parliament representing the Opposition. In addition to his parliamentary role, he serves as the Opposition Spokesperson for EU Funds and Sports, areas in which he actively advocates for strategic investment, youth engagement, and sustainable development. With a strong interest in the intersection of sport, education, and environmental sustainability, Hon. Agius brings a forward-looking perspective to national policy discussions aimed at improving the quality of life and empowering Malta’s younger generations. How do you see sport playing a role in educating youth and environmental sustainability? I strongly believe in the importance of sports and education, as well as environmental sustainability. I also believe that we need to integrate sports into the education system, starting from the lower levels. We need to have more coaches, more caregivers, and more teachers who are ready to train and be with our students for at least 15 minutes of physical education per day for every student at every level of education. We have quite a number of people who are obese in Malta, and we have to see that we tackle this problem immediately. And obviously, as regards environmental sustainability, we need to focus on energy, we need to focus also on other items that, with sport, we can generate energy in a way that people are more active and in a way that we integrate more people in society. Integration is also vital in sports and education.  What’s the Opposition’s plan for including sports and environmental activities in youth and education programmes? Yes, recently we had a debate, we had a discussion with coaches, with teachers, with sports associations, and we need to do two things. First of all, we need to have a plan to increase the number of teachers in physical education and coaches. We need to have professionalism in coaching, and we not only use that in the normal organisations of sport, but also in education. So, we need to invest money besides infrastructure so that we will have more people in our schools who are ready and available, so that we will have our young people, and we have our students practising sports practically every day. And if we do that, then obviously other natural things will happen. We’ll have more people and more students and more athletes in our organisations, we’ll have more competitions, we’ll have more teams, and obviously we’ll have a culture of sports.  In your opinion, what role do youth workers and educators play in effectively implementing sports and youth initiatives, and how can they be supported? They have to be supported because, first of all, we need to encourage youths to choose this profession. We have to make sure that our university is prepared to integrate and to have more students who choose these subjects, so that when they qualify and become professionals in the system, they will be able to help in increasing the culture of sports in the everyday running of schools in our university, etc. But we need to invest. We need to invest both financially and in infrastructure, and we also need to understand that not everyone can be a coach and not everyone can be a teacher, a physical education teacher. We have to be professional because our youths, our students, deserve this.  How can environmental sustainability be embedded into national sports policy or sports funding frameworks? Interesting, we have lots of places where, for example, we can use the roof in order to generate energy. We can also have a number of infrastructure sports facilities, where we can add a parking facility. Just recently in Parliament, we gave quite a substantial amount of land to Floriana FC, where today we have a parking system. What are we going to do? Remove the parking system, and we won’t have sports? We have sports, and we won’t have a parking system? We can have both. We can integrate both. So the sports facilities need to have and include parking facilities, environmentally friendly measures, and accessibility. And above all, I think we also need to understand that in sports, we need to have accessibility with regard to transportation. We need to have transport that can actually have our youths travel from their home to the infrastructure, to the sports pavilion without using cars, but use public transport. And that, yes, is doable. And yes, we can do that.  Looking ahead, how could Malta position itself as a regional leader in using sport for environmental education? We’re lacking a bit here. I will give you one example, our university. We have to invest in the sports facilities at the university. We do have a very good gym. Close to the gym, we have a very good water polo facility. But see the athletics track. We have to invest there. And that will be one of, I say, four facilities. I call them sports villages, which we should have in Malta. One at university, yes, but we have to invest and upgrade. Second is at Marsa, where we have a number of facilities already, including an athletics track, rugby and others. We have Ta’ Qali, basketball, and football, and we need to improve those as well. And another one in Gozo. If we have these four facilities, these sports villages up and running, then yes, we can promote Malta as a Mediterranean facility for sports. Lately, the Mediterranean University opened near St. Aloysius, which is good. But besides that, we need to invest more in sports. And to invest more in sports, we need to do two things. First, the government will need to invest more in its national budget. Secondly, we need to have the private sector, who I am sure will be ready to invest in sports facilities, in our sports athletes, in order to upgrade our level of sports in Malta.

Eman Borg, Human Rights & Youth Activist Eman Borg, a youth and human rights activist from Gozo, shares his background in youth work, sports, and environmental initiatives. With experience as Secretary General of the University of Malta Rowing Club and a Master’s in International Sports and Events Management, he highlights how these areas are deeply interconnected. He identifies Malta’s key environmental issues—pollution, overdevelopment, and traffic—which negatively affect youth’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Borg believes sport can be a powerful tool for environmental education, calling it a universal language that can engage youth in understanding climate issues through active, non-formal learning methods like clean-ups and community events. To address environmental challenges, he urges youth workers to prioritise collaboration and unified action over fragmented efforts. His key message is to act, no matter how small the initiative—collective small steps can create meaningful long-term impact. Can you tell us about your background and experience in youth work, sports, and environmental initiatives? My name is Eman Borg, I am a human rights activist and a youth activist, originally hailing from the island of Gozo, nowadays I live in Malta. My experience with sports, my experience with youth, my experience with the environment, they’re all interlinked really and truly. I served as the Secretary General of the University of Malta Rowing Club from 2018 to 2021 and I also have a Master’s in International Sports and Events Management.

 In your opinion, what are the main environmental challenges our community is facing? We hear often about environmental challenges in Malta, from traffic to pollution, non-planning when it comes to urbanisation. These challenges are faced on a day-to-day basis. These challenges are challenges that we as young people are experiencing and these challenges are also affecting our day-to-day basis. These challenges are challenges that we as young people are experiencing and these challenges are also affecting our day-to-day life. They’re affecting our physical health, they’re affecting our mental health, they’re affecting our emotional health and our health as a whole. And so we are to, as collective youth, to come up with a solid plan, a plan that will eventually render benefit for our long-term future.  In what ways do you think sport can contribute to environmental education for youth? As I mentioned, the challenges of environment, physical health, mental health, emotional health, they’re all challenges that we’re facing and through sports we can combat these challenges, we can all actually understand the language of sports. We often have debates on what is the most spoken language in the world and there’s different answers, Hindu, English, etc. But really and truly the one universal language is the language of sports. You throw a ball and you already have that first communication with someone else who may not understand your spoken language. And that same language can elevate the pressures of environment through understanding the impact that we are having, both positive and negative, in the environment. From a football match to charity beach clean-up to other instances and initiatives, sports can really and truly be a force of non-formal education in order for young people to understand the implications of the climate reality that we are living in.  What steps should we, as youth workers, take to effectively implement these ideas and tackle environmental challenges? There are a number of steps that youth and youth workers can take to combat environmental challenges and I believe that one of the main steps is to have a collaborative effort, one effort that unites everyone’s ideas and one action plan really and truly for the challenges that we’re facing here in Malta. It is futile to have a number of initiatives that are more or less similar to each other and not collaborate, not have that partnership. It is important that we unite, it is important that we have conversations and it is important that we actually have a strategy as a young population here in Malta to have a more stronger voice, you know, it’s one for all, all for one at the end of the day.

 Do you have any closing thoughts or suggestions you’d like to share with us? As a conclusion, my suggestion is one. As small as the initiative you think you’re taking, do it. Do that action because at the end of the day it is that small step that can have a larger impact, it is that small step that can have a larger impact. It is that small step that when you collaborate with another person, with another individual, It is that small step that when you collaborate with another person, with another individual, with your peers at work, at university, at school, that small action will have a long-term ripple effect.

Pembroke, Malta | 09–15 March 2025 We are excited to share that our training course in Malta has been successfully completed! The Training of Trainers, hosted by TDM2000 Malta, brought together 20 youth workers from Cyprus, Italy, Greece, Malta, and Portugal. The event took place in Pembroke from 09 to 15 March 2025. This initiative is part of STELLA (Sport as a Tool for Environmental Sustainability Learning), an Erasmus+ KA220 Cooperation Partnership in Youth. The project aims to strengthen environmental education for youth by encouraging ethical behavior through sport-based methodologies. Empowering Youth Workers through Sport and Sustainability During the training, participants gained valuable skills to be implemented in their local communities, ensuring that the knowledge and techniques acquired are used effectively in real-life contexts. The program was both educational and inspiring, offering a variety of tools to help engage young people in environmental learning through sports. A key aspect of the training was the dynamic and supportive environment fostered by the trainers. Through a thoughtful blend of theoretical insights and hands-on activities, participants explored what it means to be an effective trainer and delved into the core principles that define sports. Interactive sessions included football, volleyball, and a nighttime treasure hunt to explore the historic old town. Toward the end of the training, participants designed and implemented their own sport-based workshops focused on addressing environmental challenges. These workshops were evaluated to identify strengths and areas for development, helping participants refine their skills as facilitators. Looking Ahead One of the key outcomes of this training will be the development of a toolkit that compiles the most effective workshops created by the participants. This resource will support continued learning and ensure the project’s impact reaches beyond this single event. The training was marked by collaboration, creativity, and active participation, with all teams contributing to a rich exchange of experiences and ideas. It was a truly enriching opportunity for everyone involved. We are deeply grateful for this fantastic opportunity made possible for all participating teams. A special thank you goes to our Maltese partner, TDM2000 Malta, and the entire hosting team for their dedication and for organizing such a meaningful and impactful training experience. Thank you for making it all possible!