Green Gate - Training course for a positive change in young people's attitudes and lifestyle for sustainable living

GREEN GATE methodology is based on the principles of NFE and active participation, and includes: - learning by doing - arts handcrafts, transformation of old disused materials and bringing them back to life through renovation and recycling, visit to a local energy efficient windmill and bio-farm; - creative role play and simulations; - open discussions and debates encouraged by brainstorming session; - audio visual presentations and lectures; - activities in a Creative Lab environment stimulating the active involvement and input of each participant. The training program themes will consist of: a. Facts and figures about the planet & introduction to the basic principles of sustainable development; b. What is carbon print and how to minimize our own harmful impact on the environment?; c. Change of lifestyle - possible, feasible, necessary, fun – everyday habits, water, electricity, transport, waste; d. 3 RE - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; e. Infinite energy - renewable energy resources; f. Biofuels and electric cars - science fiction or reality? The program will include art handcraft sessions, indoor working sessions, outdoor activities, a field trip to a local bio farm. Why: Environmental protection and sustainable development are among the biggest challenges of the 21st century. During the World summit meeting on sustainable development in Johannesburg a special emphasis was put on the importance of training in sustainable development and the UN adopted a resolution declaring the period 2005-2014 for a Decade on sustainable development education. The success of that global agenda requires active participation and support from each and every one of us. For young people that means promoting a different lifestyle and everyday habits that take into consideration the importance of decreasing our own carbon print on the environment. Where: Sinemorets, Bulgaria Sinemorets is a small village near the mouth of the River Veleka, in the most southern and the most beautiful part of the Black Sea coast. It is situated 6 kilometers from Ahtopol. Sinemorets beaches are in cosy, crescent-shaped bays, outlined by jagged cliffs, hugged by fresh, dark-green woods. The sand is white and exquisitely fine, the sea hospitable with a smooth and gradually descending bottom, the water is pleasantly warm and clear. Sinemorets is especially attractive to tourists because, until recently, it was inaccessible. The River Veleka springs from Turkey near the Bulgaria–Turkey border. Passing through the Strandja mountains, the river flows into the Black sea, near the village of Sinemorets. The River Veleka is one of the most romantic and ecologically clean rivers in Bulgaria. Here you can enjoy the magnificent nature of Strandja region.