Två glada tjejer sitter på stranden och håller upp en kuvett med en räka i. Foto Johan Hammar.

Waves for change -Youth for Baltic 2025

Are you passionate about sustainability and the sea? 18-28 years old? Ready to create a better future? Then join our Youth forum and make ripples with others like you! It is free to participate!

In the summer of 2025, 50 young adults from twelve biosphere reserves in eight countries around the Baltic Sea gather in the Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve.

Over four intensive days, the participants will delve into the work of the biosphere reserves and explore nature-based solutions to preserve and improve the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

One of the highlights will be the workshop What If? where participants will collectively visualize a sustainable future for the Baltic Sea and discuss concrete steps to achieve it.

The Youth for Baltic youth forum is part of the new project ”Biosphere for Baltic – Future Generations,” supported by the Swedish Institute.

What: Youth Forum (18-28 years old)
Where: Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve in the South of Sweden
When: 16-19 June 2025
Cost: It costs nothing to participate. Travel and accommodation is also free of charge!
Location: Furuboda kursgård, Furuboda school and conference centre on the Baltic coast

Preliminary Program

Sunday, June 15:
Arrival

Monday, June 16 – Getting to Know Each Other and Our Baltic Sea

Morning: Welcome and introduction

Introduction to Vattenriket Biosphere Reserves
The Biosphere for Baltic network
The Supported by Nature project
Overview of the Youth forum program and its objectives

Afternoon: Exploring nearby nature

Hike along the Skåneleden SL6 path, through pine forest and along the beach
Mini-lectures on local ecology and guided Forest bathing experiences

Evening: Beach gathering

Barbecue and beach games

Tuesday, June 17 – Exploring the Baltic Sea and Its Challenges

Morning: Understanding the Baltic Sea

Introduction to ocean literacy
The Baltic Sea – a sea of opportunities and challenges

Afternoon: Hands-on Exploration

Exploring with dip nets and underwater drone
Supported by nature project – etablishing stone reefs for greater biodiversity

Evening: Cultural Exchange

Dinner
Cultural Exchange evening

Wednesday 18 June: Nature’s Smart Solutions for the Baltic

Morning: Learning from Nature

Lecture and workshop on nature’s smart solutions in Vattenriket, Baltic Sea and beyond
Supported by nature project – etablishing stone reefs for greater biodiversity
Visit to a Supported by Nature learning site

Afternoon: Imagining the Future