Earth

EARTH aims at empowering youth NGOs from 6 countries (Western Balkan countries: Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia; Programme countries: Italy, Greece) to become key players in the promotion of self-entrepreneurship and employability in the field of eco- & agro- tourism according to the principles of inclusive & sustainable growth, and social inclusion as per European policy agenda. This investment in skills and competences will benefit individuals, institutions, organisations and society as a whole by contributing diagonally to fostering social integration, enhancing cultural understanding, promoting common European values, as well as to introducing the concept of social and rural capital to young people through non-formal learning activities and knowledge exchange.

Therefore, the Action also aims at increasing the active role of young people in the society, providing them with skills required by the labour market and the economy through a lifelong learning perspective consistent with the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy and its flagship initiatives. The decline in agriculture and rural employment in many countries has triggered a need for diversification in rural businesses. Rural tourism (Eco & Agro) has enjoyed strong growth in most of European Union and it has been widely promoted as an effective measure to counteract economic and social issues in rural areas. As a matter of fact, tourism (“third largest socioeconomic activity in the EU after the trade and distribution and construction sectors” (European Commission, COM 2010) has revealed to be a powerful means for rural communities to diversify agricultural activities, use farm resources more efficiently, widen the market where to trade local products. The EU strongly considered tourism in rural development policies, among others, and gave it significant relevance through its European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). In order to fight rising levels of unemployment, social marginalisation and violent radicalisation – particularly among young people – the Action promotes the potential of rural areas in the field of eco- & agro- tourism.

Rural regression, loss of cultural, environmental, enogastronomical heritage can only be faced by showing examples of successful rural entrepreneurship and raising the attraction of local assets and territory. The intercultural and transnational dimension of the project, along with the transfer of EU’s best practices, innovations and standards, will allow overcoming stereotypes and prejudices, and the advancement of the Balkans in the European integration process.