In a world where environmental concerns are increasingly prevalent, a diverse group of exchange students, hailing from Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, convene at the International Institute of Sustainability in Lisbon. United by their common interest in preserving the planet, they embark on an exciting journey to explore and promote sustainability in their communities and beyond.

Throughout their journey, these young visionaries, our Eco-Rangers,  encounter a series of challenges and opportunities, from seeking renewable energy sources to protecting threatened natural habitats, to promoting a circular economy and mitigating climate change. Their experiences lead them to discover the power of collaboration, innovation, and collective action in building a more sustainable future for all.

This is the story of their journey, a story of hope, determination, and inspiration. A story that highlights the vital role each of us can play in safeguarding our planet and creating a better world for future generations. Join these young environmentalists as they lead the way toward a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Renewable Energy

     We continued our way. The streets were filled with noises of people passing by. It was quiet lovely. Suddenly; our peace walk was interrupted by a horrible smell. It smellt like rotten meat. We got disgusted with it. One of my colleagues suggested that we had to follow it to learn what it was coming from. We went to check it out. We thought it was near due to scents strenght but we noticed we walked a very long way. The number of dry trees around was increasing as we continued to walk and the human voices were diminishing. 

  The place we arrived was such a dumpsite. When we looked around, we saw a family of wild boar rummaging through the dump. We couldn't believe what we saw. Poor boars...We pitied them. 

One of my colleagues tried to approach them but they got scared and they started to run away. So we chased them to feed. Behind that area, there was a corrupted forest which had many wild lives such as wild boars. We thought not to leave them so desperate and hungry there. So we called the authorities. They answered our call and said that they were heading where we were. We waited for a while and eventually they arrived.  We asked them why did this area look like horrible. They told us that people reckless people destroyed the nature leaving rubbish behind after picnics and cutting down the trees. So this area began to be corrupted because of their selfishness. 

Even though we did not do this mess, we felt so sorry and guilty. These places were the homes of wild animals and we couldn't protect these places as we should do.

     We promised to ourselves that we would take actions to preserve of natural habitats and warn all people not to leave their rubbish behind them from now on. We also thought that we had to raise awareness so that people wouldn't cut down forests. We thanked them and continued to our way.

(Ipek K and Ecrin D. from BCAHS Istanbul-Turkey)

Preservation of Natural Habitats

    In the heart of Willow Creek town, nestled among the rolling hills and bubbling streams, lies a hidden gem known as Willow Creek Forest. This lush forest is home to a myriad of plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. It's a sanctuary of biodiversity, a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

    However, Willow Creek Forest is facing a grave threat. A big corporation has set its sights on the forest, planning to clear the land to build a massive housing complex. The townspeople are torn between the promise of economic development and the preservation of their beloved forest.

(Clara Cunha, Sofia Batista and Leonor Seabra - Frei João School - Portugal)

    Amidst this conflict, a group of dedicated individuals emerges. They call themselves "The Guardians of Willow Creek Forest," a passionate bunch of nature advocates who are determined to protect the forest at all costs. Led by Professor Mia, a renowned environmentalist, the Guardians embark on a mission to raise awareness and rally support for the preservation of the forest.

    The Guardians organize tree-planting events, wildlife conservation seminars, and peaceful protests to showcase the beauty and importance of Willow Creek Forest. They reach out to schools, community groups, and local businesses, urging everyone to join their cause and stand up for nature.

    As their efforts gain momentum, the Guardians face resistance from those who prioritize profit over environmental conservation. The corporation behind the development project launches a smear campaign, spreading misinformation about the forest and the Guardians. They try to paint the Guardians as radicals who are against progress and prosperity.

(Diana Rigor and Ema Pinheiro - Aver-o-Mar School - Portugal)

    Undeterred, the Guardians continue their fight, armed with passion, knowledge, and a deep love for nature. They seek legal protection for Willow Creek Forest, gathering signatures for a petition and lobbying government officials to designate the forest as a protected area.

In the end, after months of tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication, the Guardians emerge victorious. Willow Creek Forest is saved from development, thanks to the resilience and perseverance of a small group of individuals who refused to give up on their mission to protect a precious natural habitat.

    And so, Willow Creek Forest stands as a testament to the power of community, the importance of environmental stewardship, and the enduring spirit of those who are willing to fight for what they believe in. The Guardians' tale serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome, and the beauty of nature can be preserved for generations to come.

(Leonor Seabra - Frei João School - Portugal)

    The Guardians' victory inspires everyone in Willow Creek town. The people realize how important it is to protect nature and start to appreciate the forest even more. Schools organize trips to the forest so students can learn about the different plants and animals. Local artists create paintings and sculptures of Willow Creek Forest to celebrate its beauty.

    Professor Mia and the Guardians continue their work, now focusing on educating others about environmental protection. They set up a small nature center at the edge of the forest, where visitors can learn about the ecosystem and how to take care of it.

The town also starts new projects, like creating community gardens and cleaning up the rivers and streams. Everyone in Willow Creek works together to make their town a greener and healthier place to live.

The story of the Guardians becomes famous, showing that even a small group of people can make a big difference. Willow Creek Forest stays beautiful and safe, a wonderful place for nature lovers and future generations.

                                     THE END

Victoria Carmona from IES Zurbarán, Badajoz, Spain

Circular Economy

    Hi, we are Carlos, Adela, Sonsoles, and María. We are students in 1º ESO at IES Zurbarán and part of the Eco-Rangers. We want to tell you how we can help our world with the circular economy. After learning about it in school, we decided to start a project.

    We began by collecting old clothes from our families and friends. Adela and Sonsoles made new things with them, like bags and pillows. We also gathered old electronics from our school. Carlos took them to a special place where they can be fixed and used again. At home, María made sure to recycle paper, plastic, and glass. She even started a compost pile for food scraps, which helps her garden grow.

Our teacher helped us create a small company. We used recycled plastic for our packaging and made beauty products that are good for the environment. We called our company "Eco-Rangers," and everyone in our town loved our ideas. We sold our products at school fairs and markets. The money we made helped us start new projects.

We also organized workshops to teach others about the circular economy. We showed them how to reuse, recycle, and reduce waste. We explained how important it is to think about where things come from and where they go after we use them. By doing these small things, we learned that we can make a big difference.

    It's important to care for our planet. By reusing, recycling, and reducing waste, we help protect the environment. We can all be Eco-Rangers and make our world a better place.

    So, let’s work together and create a sustainable future for everyone. Together, we can make a big change!

Adela Consiña, Carlos Castillo, Sonsoles Fernández y María Álvarez from IES Zurbarán, Badajoz, Spain.

Climate Change Mitigation

    Once upon a time, in a small town nestled in the mountains, a group of friends came together with a common goal - to make a difference in the fight against climate change. Determined to reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to the changing world around them, they set out on a journey of discovery and action.

    The first step they took was to educate themselves about the causes and impacts of climate change. They learned about the rising global temperatures, the melting ice caps, and the increasing severity of natural disasters. Armed with this knowledge, they knew they had to act quickly and decisively.

    One of the friends, named Maya, decided to start a community garden. By growing their own fruits and vegetables locally, they reduced the need for food to be transported long distances, thus cutting down on carbon emissions from vehicles. The garden not only provided fresh, healthy produce for the town but also served as a gathering place for the community to come together and learn about sustainable living.

(Mónica Graça - Frei João School - Portugal)

    Meanwhile, another friend, Alex, focused on energy conservation. He led a campaign to encourage everyone in town to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, to use energy-efficient light bulbs, and to unplug chargers when they were not charging anything. These small actions added up to significant energy savings for the community, reducing their overall carbon footprint.

    As the friends continued their efforts, the town began to see positive changes. Air quality improved, water usage decreased, and wildlife returned to habitats that had been disrupted by human activity. The town became a model of sustainability and  resilience, inspiring other communities to take similar action.

(Inês Vilas Boas and Rafaela Ribeiro - Frei João School - Portugal)

With each small step they took, Maya, Alex, and their friends showed that individual actions can have a powerful impact on the world around us. By coming together and working towards a common goal, they were able to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a better future for themselves and future generations.

And so, the town in the mountains became a shining example of what is possible when individuals and communities take action to protect the planet. Through their dedication and determination, they showed that we all have a role to play in fighting climate change and creating a more sustainable world for all.

(Rita Cabreira and Mariana Azevedo - Aver-o-Mar School - Portugal)

    In their small mountain town, Maya, Alex, and their friends were very happy with the changes they saw. But they wanted to do more. They decided to look for magical ways to help the Earth. One day, while exploring the forest, they found a hidden cave. Inside the cave, they discovered a wise old tree named Elara.

    Elara could speak and told them about a special potion that could make plants grow faster and stronger. This potion could help the community garden and other green spaces in the town. Elara gave them the secret recipe and asked them to use it wisely.

    Maya, Alex, and their friends gathered the ingredients: flowers, herbs, and water from a crystal-clear spring. They mixed everything together and poured the potion in the garden. 

    The next morning, the plants were bigger and healthier than ever before! The garden became a magical place with flowers and fruits in every color.    

    The townspeople were amazed and thanked the friends for their hard work. They all promised to take better care of the environment. Inspired by the magic, the friends continued to find new ways to help their town and the planet.

    In the end, Maya, Alex, and their friends showed that with knowledge, action, and a bit of magic, they could create a wonderful, sustainable world for everyone. And so, their mountain town remained a shining example of how we can all work together to protect our Earth.

Nuria Herrera from IES Zurbarán, Badajoz, Spain.

Water Conservation

(Diana Rigor e Ema Pinheiro - Escola Aver-o-Mar - Portugal)

Water Wisely: When watering plants or gardens, do so early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce water evaporation. Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day.

Reuse Water:  Get creative with water reuse. For example, you can collect rainwater for watering plants or use leftover drinking water to hydrate your household plants.

Educate Others:  Spread awareness about the importance of water conservation among your peers and family members. Encourage them to join you in your efforts to save water.

Get Involved: Look for local community projects or initiatives focused on water conservation. Joining forces with like-minded individuals can amplify your impact and make a difference on a larger scale.

By incorporating these simple actions into your daily routine, you can play a significant role in safeguarding water resources in your community. Remember, every drop counts, and your efforts as a Water Warrior can help ensure a sustainable water supply for all.

                                                                   (Gaia Sannuto. Frei João School)

   In the heart of our city we face a major challenge: water scarcity. Our Water Warriors, a group of brave friends, took action. They fixed leaky taps, took shorter showers and turned off the taps while brushing their teeth. They watered plants wisely and reused rainwater. Together, they taught others how to save water.

    One day, they discovered a hidden spring in the forest. The spring had magical water that never ran out. They used this water wisely, sharing it with the city. Thanks to the Water Warriors, our city has flourished again. Remember: even small actions can make a big difference!

Sara Espada do IES Zurbarán, Badajoz, Espanha.

(Martim e Nelson - Escola Aver-o-Mar - Portugal)

Sustainable Agriculture

When I was a child, my grandfather used to tell me that everything he produced was due to human labour and animal help. Waking up early, heading to the fields, tilling the land, sowing the fields, putting seeds in or on the ground and looking up at the birds all around us was really pleasant.

One day, all this was gone. People got machines to make life easier ...

It was great to see that birds were once again looking for insects in agriculture. It's good that human beings don't ingest pesticides and are healthy beings to continue their generation in a healthy way and take care of a planet that, for thousands of years, take care of us. We will not destroy it.

Let's build. Let's continue to give planet Earth what it gave us so much and cared for us.

Let's help you, friend Planet!

Maria Clara Campos. Frei João School

(Pedro silva, Pedro Flores, Gonçalo Rodrigues - Escola Aver-o-Mar - Portugal)

Urban Green Spaces

We have a little friend group. Martina, my friends Agatha and Hüseyin an I. We usually play games at a small playground which has a lot of trees, flowers and small animals! I love playing with my friends there. We spend most of our daily time all together. We play so many games, such as hide and seek, tag and blind man's buff. I love this playground. 

One day, while we were playing, some adults came over. That was weird, because generally adults don't come here unless they bring their kids. Hüseyin stopped playing and looked at them with a curious expression, which caused Agatha to stop playing as well. I was curious too,  so we started to watch them. After some minutes, they brought saws to cut trees. We immediately ran towards them and asked what was going on.