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 network and make ripples with others like you!
In the summer of 2025, 40 young adults from ten biosphere reserves in six countries around the Baltic Sea gathered in the Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve.
Over four intensive days, the participants delved into the work of the biosphere reserves and explored nature-based solutions to preserve and improve the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
One of the highlights was the workshop What If? where participants collectively visualised a sustainable future for the Baltic Sea and discussed concrete steps to achieve it.
The workshop resulted in a call to action and six paintings. See them in this presentation from the forum’s final day, with 16 minutes of participants presenting their visions of a sustainable future for the Baltic Sea, and 16 minutes of responses from key stakeholders present: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0F4a0VdWAA&pp=0gcJCQMKAYcqIYzv
The Youth for Baltic youth forum was part of the project ”Biosphere for Baltic – Future Generations,” supported by the Swedish Institute.
After the forum, the network has stayed in touch through a community on Discord. Contact your nearest Biosphere Reserve on the right for an invitation!
For more information find your nearest Biosphere Reserve below:
Kristianstads Vattenrike Biosphere Reserve: asa.pearce@kristianstad.se
Marine Education Center: elinor.hermansson@smkc.se
Nedre Dalälven Biosphere Reserve: elias@nedredalalven.se
Blekinge Archipelago Biosphere Reserve: daniel@blekingearkipelag.se
Vindelälven-Juhttátahkka Biosphere Reserve: daniela.nedelcheva@vindelalvenbiosfar.se
North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve: linda.kaulina@daba.gov.lv
Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve: tomas.pikunas@saugoma.lt
Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve: info@biosfar.fi
North Karelia Biosphere Reserve: vilma.lehtovaara@ely-keskus.fi
West Estonian Archipelago Biospehere Reserve: liina.tabri@taltech.ee
Programme
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
- Young Voices for the Baltic Sea – inspiration from young advocates for the Baltic
Afternoon: Hands-on Exploration
- Exploring with dip nets, waders and underwater scopes
- 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 – restauration of watercourses
- Visit to a Supported by Nature learning site
Afternoon: Imagining the Future
- The future we want – workshop: Imagine a positive future for the Baltic Sea
Evening: Exploring Vattenriket from the water
- Guided boat tour along the River Helge å
Thursday 19/6: Envisioning a Sustainable Future for the Baltic Sea
Morning: Wrapping Up
- Summarizing key takeaways and preparing the Forum result
Afternoon: Sharing and Farewells
- Presentation of Youth Forum result
- Round up and farewells