In celebration of Earth Day 2025, Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) across the Western Balkans rolled up their sleeves, grabbed shovels, and got to work- one tree at a time. Under the shared motto “YEAs Do”, YEA network united across six economies in the region to support and join local tree planting actions, proving that youth-led initiatives can make a meaningful contribution to global environmental efforts.
This year’s Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, carried a powerful global message: we must take urgent action to restore our ecosystems, combat climate change, and promote a sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. The YEA network responded to this call by initiating and supporting tree planting activities in cooperation with schools, grassroots environmental organizations, and youth-led movements.
Rooted in community: local actions with regional impact
From mountainous forests to schoolyards, YEAs joined efforts to green spaces and raise awareness on the importance of ecosystem recovery.
In North Macedonia, YEAs partnered with the Association for International Youth Cooperation Interaktiv Bitola and joined students from SOU Josip Broz Tito to plant trees around the school grounds. The greening effort wasn’t just about beautifying the space; it was about creating a living classroom where future generations can grow up appreciating the value of environmental stewardship.
Meanwhile, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the focus shifted to nature itself. YEAs hiked up Mount Igman with the team from Let’s Do It, planting trees in one of the country’s most treasured natural landscapes. The activity combined environmental care with a spirit of exploration and responsibility toward protected areas.
In Montenegro, the courtyard of Primary School Vuk Karadžić in Podgorica got a green makeover thanks to a collaboration between YEAs, the organization Green Home, and eager young students. Alongside tree planting, YEAs led discussions about biodiversity, sustainability, and how small actions can lead to big changes.
Over in Kosovo, Earth Day was a two-day celebration of community engagement and action. Partnering with the youth organization TOKA, YEAs helped organize tree planting activities in schools across both urban and rural settings. From Prishtina and Hani i Elezit to Skenderaj and Kamenica, young people planted new life into the soil and into their shared commitment to a greener future.
In Serbia, YEAs teamed up with PGV– Pokret Gorana Vojvodine to plant trees near Karlovački Dunavac, a vital ecological area along the Danube River. The activity emphasized the importance of protecting natural habitats and restoring green corridors that support biodiversity.
And in Albania, YEAs collaborated with Trees for Albania to explore a different angle of reforestation. At a tree nursery in the Korçë region, they learned about sustainable seed planting techniques, engaged in a hands-on workshop, and participated in “Green Talks & Coffee” sessions that sparked conversations around climate action and youth participation. The day wrapped up with a picnic celebrating local produce and sustainable food practices.
Youth at the forefront of environmental action
While tree planting was at the heart of the initiative, this regional campaign was about much more than just trees. It was about bringing people together- young and old, students and environmentalists, rural communities and urban citizens- to take a stand for our shared home.
Restoring ecosystems, one tree at a time
In line with the values of the European Union and global climate goals, the YEA network’s Earth Day initiative reflects a deeper commitment to building a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for all. As oceans warm, forests shrink, and biodiversity declines, the need to restore ecosystems has never been more urgent. Tree planting is one small but powerful way to help reverse damage and re-establish balance between people and nature.
As we look to the future, the message is clear: climate action starts with all of us. And with the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the YEAs this Earth Day, the roots of change are already growing strong.
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