About GreAT
Erasmus+ Project: Green All Together
Today, climate change and environmental issues have become more critical than ever. These challenges are no longer future concerns; they are immediate realities that require urgent attention and action. To tackle these large-scale problems, effective and practical activities are necessary. Therefore, the “Green All Together” project was launched to create a greener and more livable world with the participation of young people, especially for the next generation!
This project was carried out with the participation of young people from Spain, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Turkey, and was led by Turkey. Bringing together diverse perspectives and backgrounds, the collaboration aimed to harness the creativity and energy of youth to address pressing environmental issues. The main goal of the project was to teach young people about the use of microalgae in the food sector, reducing plastic consumption, composting, and ways to pursue entrepreneurship with microalgae. Through these initiatives, the project aimed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to create a sustainable future.
Microalgae are seen as the superfood of the future due to their high nutritional value and eco-friendly properties. They offer a sustainable alternative to traditional food sources, with the potential to significantly reduce environmental footprints. In this project, young people learned how microalgae can be used in food technology and developed innovative ideas in this field. Workshops and hands-on sessions allowed participants to experiment with microalgae-based recipes and explore their nutritional benefits. They also became aware of sustainability topics such as reducing plastic consumption and composting, understanding the importance of these practices in mitigating environmental damage.
The project provided not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience for young people. Through comprehensive training sessions, interactive workshops, and field applications, participants had the opportunity to apply what they learned and develop their problem-solving skills for environmental issues in the real world. They engaged in activities such as setting up compost systems, creating biodegradable products, and developing prototypes for microalgae-based foods. This hands-on approach ensured that the knowledge gained was both practical and actionable.
Additionally, the project supported the entrepreneurial skills of young people. Recognizing the potential for innovative business opportunities in the field of sustainable technologies, the project encouraged participants to develop business plans and start-up ideas related to microalgae. They were encouraged to develop innovative business ideas in the field of microalgae and sustainable food technologies and were equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue entrepreneurship in this area. Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and experts provided valuable insights and guidance, helping young participants to refine their ideas and prepare for the market. These young people, nurtured as future eco-friendly entrepreneurs, contributed to sustainable development on both local and global scales.
On this website, you can find project details, educational materials, and events. This platform aims to disseminate the project's outcomes to a broader audience and to share environmentally conscious entrepreneurial ideas among young people. Visitors can access a wealth of resources, including detailed guides on microalgae cultivation, best practices for composting, and case studies of successful sustainable businesses. The website also features a community section where young entrepreneurs can connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects, fostering a network of environmentally conscious leaders.
By providing comprehensive resources and fostering a collaborative community, the “Green All Together” project not only educates but also empowers young people to take actionable steps towards a sustainable future. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the crucial role of youth in driving environmental change. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.
Integrating Biological Sciences into Daily Life: Understanding how the principles and discoveries in biology can be seamlessly integrated into our everyday routines can have a profound impact on how we interact with the world around us. This encompasses recognizing the importance of biodiversity in our diets, appreciating the microbial ecosystems in our homes, and adopting practices that enhance the sustainability of our lifestyle choices. Participants will learn practical ways to incorporate biological insights into their daily habits, leading to healthier and more environmentally friendly living.
Developing Environmental Awareness: In today’s world, the significance of understanding environmental issues cannot be overstated. This project will delve into the root causes of environmental degradation and climate change, exploring the science behind these issues. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how human activities impact the environment and the urgency of adopting sustainable practices. Through workshops, discussions, and field activities, they will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address these challenges effectively.
Promoting Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Products: One of the critical aspects of mitigating environmental harm is the use of sustainable and eco-friendly products. This project will highlight the importance of choosing products that have minimal environmental impact, are made from renewable resources, and are designed to be biodegradable. Participants will learn about various sustainable materials and products, including those made from microalgae, and how their widespread use can significantly reduce our ecological footprint.
Educating on Key Terms: A vital part of fostering a sustainable mindset is understanding the terminology associated with it. This project will educate participants on key concepts such as bio-compatible, biodegradable, and renewable energy. By gaining a clear understanding of these terms, participants will be better equipped to make informed decisions that align with environmental sustainability. They will explore case studies and real-world applications of these concepts to reinforce their learning.
Conscious Consumption: The project will emphasize the importance of mindful consumption and how it can lead to more sustainable living. Participants will learn about the lifecycle of products, from production to disposal, and the environmental impacts associated with each stage. They will explore the benefits of using eco-friendly products such as those derived from microalgae, which offer sustainable alternatives to traditional goods. By understanding the broader implications of their consumption choices, participants will be encouraged to adopt habits that reduce waste and promote sustainability.
By the end of this project, participants will:
Adopt Eco-Friendly Habits: Embracing sustainable practices through critical and philosophical thinking will be a significant outcome of this project. Participants will develop a mindset that continually seeks to minimize environmental impact through everyday actions, such as reducing energy consumption, recycling, and supporting sustainable businesses. They will be encouraged to reflect on their lifestyle choices and make conscious decisions that promote environmental health.
Innovative Environmental Engagement: Developing new perspectives to tackle environmental problems will be a key focus. Participants will be encouraged to think creatively and innovatively about how to address environmental challenges. This will include brainstorming sessions, collaborative projects, and the use of technology to devise new solutions. They will also explore the role of policy and advocacy in driving environmental change, learning how to engage with these processes effectively.
Creative Green Behaviors: Crafting innovative ways to foster a sustainable future by understanding the intellectual dimensions of humanity’s relationship with nature will be an integral part of the learning experience. Participants will explore historical, philosophical, and cultural perspectives on human-nature relationships and how these insights can inform contemporary environmental practices. They will be inspired to implement meaningful changes in their daily lives that benefit both the planet and all life on it.
Ethical and Moral Responsibility: Determining and embracing ethical responsibilities for addressing the climate crisis will be a central theme. Participants will engage in discussions about the moral implications of environmental degradation and the ethical duty to protect our planet for future generations. They will be encouraged to take personal responsibility for their actions and to become advocates for sustainable practices within their communities.
Together, through these comprehensive and interactive learning experiences, we can build a greener, more sustainable future! Participants will leave this project not only with a deeper understanding of environmental issues but also with the practical skills and inspiration needed to make a lasting impact.
In the GreAT project, there are six learning, teaching, and training activities that cover the goals of both the GreAT project and the European Union Green Deal.
These activities include various themes:
Biofuel Production from Waste: In this activity, participants learned the processes of producing biofuel from compost. This process provided participants with practical knowledge and experience in converting waste into energy.
Microalgae as Food: In this activity, young people explored the potential of microalgae as a sustainable food source. They learned about the nutritional value and eco-friendly characteristics of microalgae and discovered innovative applications in this field.
Discussion Meetings in Nature: In these events held in nature, participants engaged in meaningful conversations on environmental topics. These meetings aimed to strengthen the connection with nature and increase environmental awareness.
Ecological Thinking Exercises: In this activity, participants performed various thinking exercises to gain a deeper understanding of ecological concepts. This helped them develop a more conscious and comprehensive perspective on environmental issues.
Science and Philosophy Integration: Participants engaged in argumentation studies that combined science and philosophy with environmental awareness. This activity demonstrated how scientific and philosophical approaches could be applied to environmental problems.
Biotechnological Perspectives through Gaming: Through a mobile game themed "Plastic Pollution," participants learned innovative ways to address environmental pollution. This game aimed to raise environmental awareness in a fun and interactive manner.
Interactive and Technology-Embedded Events: These events included QR-code embedded assessment and evaluation studies, designed for maximum awareness. The interactive events enriched the participants' learning experiences through technology integration.
Entrepreneurship and Young Start-Up on Microalgae: In this activity, young people gained entrepreneurship ideas related to microalgae and explored potential business opportunities in this field. Through entrepreneurship training and workshops, young participants developed their innovative start-up projects by observing the commercial applications of microalgae. This enabled them to gain experience in creating sustainable and eco-friendly business models.
GreAT project comprises of six partner organization from four different countries: Türkiye, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Spain:
Here are the partners in detail:
Istanbul University (IU) founded in 1453, is among the first and longest-standing institutions in Türkiye. Located in various campuses and research centers in and around the city. IU is a public academic institution comprising: 15 faculties, 1 conservatory, 2 vocational schools, 2 colleges and 12 graduate institutes. The University's Biology Department has a Biotechnology Division, in which the participating people for this project are currently working at. Project coordinator ,Sevcan Aydin is a Professor of Biotechnology Division in Department of Biology at Istanbul University in Turkey. She got bachelor's degree from Biology Department of Ege University. She got Ph.D. in Environmental Biotechnology Programme of Istanbul Technical University. Sevcan Aydın who served on several scientific projects, provides training on the implementation of molecular techniques in environmental and energy technologies, bioenergy production methods. She is an expert on the implementation of micropollutants in the field of biotechnology and molecular techniques.
Inercia Digital SL is an innovative Andalusian organisation specialising in training and innovation in digital skills at an international level. It is a VET centre (Vocational Training for Employment) officially accredited by Spanish regional government and their main area of expertise is fostering digital and entrepreneurial skills, which they make accessible through their Virtual Campus, approved by the Regional Government of Andalusia as a Virtual Training Centre for Employment. They offer training and innovation in digital and entrepreneurial skills at international level, but they are also committed to fostering innovative advances in education through active participation in European projects and educational initiatives.
International Center for Development of Education and Training (ICDET) is one of the most popular, powerful and active associations in Bulgaria. It promotes European values through local and international projects and participating in projects in Bulgaria and abroad. All of the members and associates have major experience in working on projects and the organization allows the creation of a perfectly balanced team. The goal is to inspire and help youngsters for positive, social and economic changes, and dedicate our time to ensure the effective implementation of all these ideas. The organization team is consistent in the organizational values: promoting non-formal education and training of young people through intercultural training and activities, the encouragement of the youth exchanges and volunteering at national, European and international level, development of consciousness of a European citizenship and identity, creating a strong sense of initiative and entrepreneurship with the help of experienced entrepreneurs in different fields. The main aims are informing the youngsters about their opportunities and improving their skills, knowledge, language and communication skills in order for them to be well prepared for the labour market.
Adefis Youth International was established as a non-profit organization in order to promote equality and integration among young people, developing projects and programs aimed at preventing discrimination for any reason: birth, race, sex, religion or personal and social status, as stated in the Spanish Constitution; as well as in the implementation of projects and programs for the defense of the environment, sustainable development, culture, promotion of volunteering and awareness to the Spanish, European and third-countries. Also, to promote cooperation development and co-development in countries with low per capita income and extreme poverty. It specializes in personal and professional development through socio-educational methods based on non-formal education, both at European and regional levels. It is highly qualified in the social field and extensive experience in the computer industry. Its headquarters has two premises located at street level in downtown Las Rozas and part of the rent is subsidized by the City-Hall of Las Rozas.
Nişantaşı University (NU) was established in 2010 and is both new and the most rapidly increasing university in Turkey. According to the vision of NU, international (EU and non-EU) cooperation projects are inevitable for the internationalization strategy. The aim of Nişantaşı University is for each individual in the school community, regardless of gender, race, culture and background, to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment. High expectations of teaching, learning and behaviour are reflected in the excellence and enjoyment is the emphasis of our philosophy. The strategic targets mainly focus on mobility activities for students, staff and lecturers as well as on internationally oriented curricula, internationalization at home and various non EU study abroad possibilities with transnational degree programs.
The Association Centre for Rural Development – SEE (CRD-SEE) is a non-governmental organization from Struga, North Macedonia. CRD – SEE develops ideas into projects that meet the needs of the local youth and with that fulfil its work requirements. The main target group is local and youth from rural and cross-border areas aged 16-30. CRD-SEE aims to improve the conditions of all the people who live in North Macedonia’s rural areas in general, and of the young people in particular, mainly focusing on the western part of the country; promote tolerance, inclusion, peaceful communication and coexistence among minority groups by fostering cross-border cooperation between their and neighbouring countries; honour their traditional heritage while adopting EU values; support active citizenship; develop rural areas to open employment possibilities for young people, and inspire them to engage in entrepreneurship themselves. Being competitive at the labour market, as well as taking on an entrepreneurial role will empower youth living in rural areas, support their personal and social development ultimately improving their situation; raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable living.
