September 30 – October 5, 2024 | Yerevan, Armenia

From September 30 to October 5, 2024, Evergreens held its first-ever in-person event, “Conservation Lab: Raising Climate and Environmental Capacity-Building among the Armenian Youth”, in Yerevan. The week-long program brought together 20 dedicated young Armenians from across the country, marking a significant milestone in the organziation's mission to empower youth as environmental change-makers.

Throughout the program, participants explored key environmental and climate topics through the lens of the Nature Futures Framework (NFF), an approach that encourages plural and values-based thinking about nature and our relationship with it. Using this framework, participants engaged in youth visioning sessions to co-create positive futures for people and nature.

Interactive workshops, peer-to-peer learning, and mentorship opportunities allowed participants to develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and sharpen their capacity to lead local action. As the week progressed, participants translated their insights and visions into community engagement project ideas designed to tackle environmental challenges specific to their hometowns and villages.

The Conservation Lab also fostered a vibrant network of young environmental advocates, united by shared goals and diverse experiences. This new community of practice will continue to collaborate beyond the Lab, supporting one another in turning their ideas into real impact on the ground.

This milestone project was supported by the Council of Europe through the European Youth Foundation, whose backing enabled Evergreens to create an inclusive and inspiring space for youth-driven environmental action.

As we reflect on the connections formed, the knowledge gained, and the visions shaped, we are inspired by the energy and commitment of these change-makers and excited to follow the ripple effects of their work in communities across the country.