Change often begins with those who see the world through fresh eyes. The Nature Ambassadors for Sustainable Change (NASC) project invites young people aged 16-30 to become leaders in their communities by deepening their connection to nature. Through this initiative, participants will gain the tools to champion environmental sustainability, support mental health, and drive social change — all backed by scientific research.
By combining nature-based training and empowerment activities, this initiative encourages youth to actively engage in environmental advocacy, mental health support, and community development, all supported by scientific research. The goal is to build a global network of youth leaders capable of driving environmental sustainability and social change in their local communities.
At the core of NASC is a powerful focus on the environment and climate change, with activities that encourage youth to be proactive in sustainability efforts. The project integrates two key elements: leadership through hands-on community-based initiatives and adaptive nature-based intervention models that address pressing environmental and social issues.
The program highlights the connection between nature and mental health, demonstrating how immersion in natural environments can enhance well-being and inspire action against climate challenges.
The project focuses on young people, particularly from disadvantaged, rural, and migrant backgrounds, through non-formal education, which allows them to exchange knowledge, develop leadership skills, and engage in peer education. By targeting this generation, the project taps into their potential to drive sustainable change to develop personal growth and spread these benefits throughout their communities.
The partnership between FTHub and Resilience.Earth, will co-create tailored training modules that resonate with the local context and social traditions of participating regions. These modules will be implemented as part of the Local Pilot Training, with youth learning how to design and execute nature-based solutions to equip young individuals with the tools to influence their communities and create lasting impacts on local resilience.
Both organizations involved bring deep expertise to the project. FTHub offers a science-based training framework with a history of successful interventions, having trained professionals in Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy across 80 countries. The focus of FTHub is to design training programs that bridge the gap between scientific research and practical, nature-based health solutions. Resilience.Earth, with its extensive experience in community engagement and regenerative development, brings a participatory and localized approach to training. Their track record includes over 400 projects that have directly impacted more than 36,000 participants.
The project’s methodology also ensures that disadvantaged youth, such as those from rural areas, migrant backgrounds, or affected by mental health challenges, will be prioritized to for diverse representation and dynamic collaborations within the cohort. This focus on inclusivity is vital for active citizenship and fostering a sense of ownership among young leaders in the environmental and social change process.
FTHub and Resilience.Earth will also encourage a strong focus on social entrepreneurship, empowering young people to develop innovative, grassroots initiatives that contribute to both ecological sustainability and community development. By fostering youth entrepreneurship, the project nurtures a generation of socially responsible entrepreneurs who can act as change-makers, using nature as a foundation for their work.
The NASC project’s impact extends beyond the immediate training of youth ambassadors, creating a ripple effect in their communities. Through training and mentorship, these youth ambassadors will not only develop leadership skills but will also become active influencers in their networks, contributing to a broader European and global shift toward sustainability.
Both FTHub and Resilience.Earth are committed to long-term policy engagement, advocating for the integration of nature-based solutions into youth empowerment and health strategies at local, national, and European levels. This policy engagement ensures that the benefits of the project have a lasting impact, promoting the importance of nature in shaping future policies and practices. The NASC project has a budget of €60,000 for 2025-2026.
