On October 10, 2024, ALDA hosted an ‘Effective Ageing and Nature Conservation’ Seminar in Grez-Doiceau, Belgium. The event was organised within the Grey4Green Project, which aims to eliminate social exclusion experienced by the elderly while at the same time acting for sustainability and climate change. Some of the project’s objectives are to promote active participation of this social group in environmental programs, support the third age sector and quality of life, fight climate change and create an online observatory. The Grey4Green project brings together a diverse consortium of six partners committed to promoting environmental action through the engagement of elderly citizens, from five different countries: France, Denmark, Cyprus, Iceland and Portugal. To achieve this goal, during the project lifecycle, a wide range of activities have been organised, such as training courses, intercultural and international exchanges, and environmental volunteering (e.g., beach cleaning, natural path restoration, plogging, recycling…). ALDA plays a key role in this initiative alongside FO Aarhus – Association for Adult Education, which focuses on lifelong learning. The Lousada Municipality and Bio Living Association contribute their expertise in community-based environmental efforts, while the Environment Agency of Iceland provides insights into sustainable practices and environmental protection. CARDET – Centre for the Advancement of Research & Development in Educational Technology, adds a strong focus on innovative educational methods, ensuring the project’s approach is both inclusive and impactful. Together, these partners are working to foster greater environmental stewardship across generations.
The Seminar started with a presentation of ALDA and Grey4Green project activities, thanks to the intervention of Adrien Licha, Coordinator of the ALDA Secretariat Office, and Ginevra Gatti, Project Manager in the Environment and Climate Hub of ALDA. Similarly, Pascal Goergen, Councillor for Civic Participation in Grez-Doiceau, talked about the role of the elderly and environmental projects in the Belgian municipality. Afterwards, the event foresaw a round table on the benefits of volunteering in nature for psychophysical health, nature and society, with an impressive lineup of speakers: Herni Lourdelle, Special Advisor at the European Federation of Retired and Elderly People (Ferpa); Ismael Paez Civico, Executive Director at the European Confederation of Senior Expert Services (CESES); Manon Jacob, Partnership Manager at Give a Day platform; and Julie Goffette, “Forest Friend” Project Manager at the Royal Forestry Society of Belgium (RFSB).
The session was a great chance to discuss and reflect on local models and good practices for volunteering and social inclusion. Every speaker contributed to the discussion by sharing their work and personal experience, managing to involve the public in the exchange of knowledge.
In line with the project’s topic, the event concluded with a guided nature walk during which participants actively experienced volunteering in nature. Thanks to the volunteers of Les Amis du Parc de la Dyle, participants gained more insights into the soil of this part of Belgium, as well as into the typical fauna and flora. The biodiversity of the area is protected by the Natura 2000 Project.
Including elderly citizens in active policy-making
The primary goal of this ‘Effective Ageing and Nature Conservation’ Seminar was to involve citizens, especially elderly people and policy-makers, in active and inclusive policy-making to tackle the impacts and risks of climate change.
Nowadays, the ageing population and environmental protection are two pressing issues all over Europe. Combining the social and environmental dimensions could help address both challenges. The elderly are often eager to contribute to society through civic engagement and one way to accomplish this involvement is through environmental volunteering. Projects like Grey4Green, encourage the elderly to stay active in their daily lives, meet people and fight loneliness – that is a common challenge for this group – but at the same urge them to contribute to act for climate change and environmental protection. In brief, Grey4Green Project is committed to make older people active participants rather than passive actors in the face of climate change and environmental degradation.
