The Exploring Nature and the Cosmos - A Journey through Wildlife, Sky and Plants project aims to bring young people into immersive contact with nature and astronomy, with a view to promoting greater environmental awareness and action for the sustainability of the planet. It is coordinated by the Italian association Cultural Pro APS, and its partners are Palombar - Conservação da Natureza e do Património Rural (Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation) and Biodistretto Lago di Bolsen. Funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ programme, it will run in 2025. Through the intersection of nature, science and culture, the project focuses on two summer camps that will take place in Portugal and Italy.

The main objectives of the project are:

• To raise awareness of the wonders of the natural world and biodiversity in order to promote environmental sustainability through theoretical and practical workshops on wildlife, plant observation, agroforestry, gardening and agriculture;
• To explore celestial mechanics and the place of human beings in the cosmos, with the aim of increasing astronomical literacy, through the exploration of the night sky in stargazing workshops;
• To promote intercultural exchange between Portugal and Italy through summer camps, encouraging young people to understand, value and protect their natural environment;
• Strengthen social inclusion by involving young people from rural areas and disadvantaged urban contexts in outdoor education, adventure and practical activities in nature.

Immersive approach with innovative methods

As part of this project, young people will engage on an immersive educational journey based on non-formal learning methodologies and outdoor education.

Participants will develop skills in the various areas of focus of the project and will create:

• A new wildlife observation area linked to European networks such as Enetwild and iNaturalist;
• A ‘Digital Almanac of the Nature Explorer’, a digital multimedia and interactive resource that combines citizen science with creative storytelling;
• A Nature Club.

SUMMER CAMPS

The summer camps take place in Portugal, in the Trás-os-Montes region, and in Italy, at Lake Bolsena, areas that boast a rich cultural and natural heritage.

• Portugal - 1 to 8 July 2025, Trás-os-Montes
• Italy - 14 to 21 July 2025, Lake Bolsena

> REGISTRATION

Sign up and participate in this project, joining both summer camps.

How?

Send an email to educacao@palombar.pt, with the subject ‘Registration for the Exploring Nature and the Cosmos project’, indicating your intention to participate in the summer camps. When you register, you will have to participate in both camps, in Portugal and Italy.
Registration deadline 15 May.

Who can participate?

Young people aged between 18 and 30, residing in Portugal or Italy. No previous experience is necessary, just curiosity, a desire to learn and discover, and to engage with the rural world.
Maximum number of participants: 16

Expenses covered

Travel, food, accommodation and activities are fully funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ Programme.

What activities will be carried out?

• Environmental conservation: restoration of ecosystems, natural and rural habitats;
• Wildlife: birdwatching, camera traps, animal track recognition and biodiversity monitoring with digital tools such as iNaturalist and Enetwild;
• Astronomy: stargazing, astrophotography and discovering constellations;
• Phytotherapy: cultivation of aromatic and medicinal herbs, exploring their traditional and culinary uses;
• Sustainable agriculture: agroforestry, horticulture and regenerative agriculture techniques;
• Exploration and adventure: expeditions through forests and remote islands;
• Digital storytelling: creation of a ‘Digital Almanac’, combining citizen science and creative narrative.
  

Coordination Cultural Pro APS
Partners Palombar and Biodistretto Lago di Bolsen
Territory Trás-os-Montes (Portugal) and Lake Bolsena (Italy)
Funding European Union Erasmus + Programme