Brewing Collaboration: Young Reporters for the Environment Join Forces Through YRE Twinning

—— Article written by YRE International Collaboration from Türkiye, Portugal, and the Netherlands (Twinning Group) ——

At YRE Head Office, we are always inspired by the creativity and dedication of young reporters worldwide. This year, through the YRE International Collaboration 2024/ 2025 (Twinning) , we are thrilled to highlight an exciting initiative uniting Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) teams from Portugal, Türkiye, and the Netherlands.

This collaboration is made possible through Twinning, a YRE Programme initiative that connects schools and young people across borders to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and work together on pressing environmental issues. By fostering these international connections, Twinning strengthens global cooperation and empowers young people to take action beyond their local communities.

One unexpected but fitting topic emerged from this partnership—coffee. From its deep cultural roots to its modern-day environmental impact, coffee consumption provided the perfect lens for these students to explore sustainability challenges in their cities. By working together, they are not only researching solutions but also inspiring meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

To learn more about this collaboration, YRE International spoke with the Twinning teams in a Q&A, where they shared insights into their project, their experiences working across borders, and how they hope to inspire others to take action. Read on to discover how this initiative is brewing a greener future!

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From the rich heritage of Constantinople's coffee houses to today’s bustling cafés, coffee has always connected cultures. Now, Young Reporters for the Environment from Portugal, Türkiye, and the Netherlands are uniting through this shared tradition to tackle global environmental challenges!

YRE International: How did the collaboration take place? Who contacted whom?

Twinning Group: We are YRE teams from Portugal, Türkiye, and the Netherlands as part of the YRE International Collaboration 2025. Each of us has a strong commitment to YRE, and this year, the FEE Education Programmes: Twinning brought us together. The Turkish YRE team reached out to our friends in Portugal and the Netherlands, and this is how our collaboration continued.

YRE International: How did you settle on the topic of coffee and youth?

Twinning Group: During our initial virtual meetings, students from Türkiye, Portugal, and the Netherlands identified coffee consumption and ecosystem conservation as key topics. Surprisingly, we found many cultural and traditional similarities in the places we live, one of which was traditional coffee-drinking habits. Interestingly, the world’s first coffee house, Kiva Han, opened in 1555 in Constantinople, now known as Istanbul. However, these traditions have also led to environmental challenges that need to be addressed at both local and global levels.

Driven by a shared passion for environmental change, students from Ari Private Middle School (Türkiye), EB Terras do Ave (Portugal), and Omnis College (the Netherlands) have united to address ecosystem conservation challenges in cities. They focused on three pressing issues: the rising coffee consumption among youth, the plastic waste generated by branded coffee shops, and strategies to minimise coffee's carbon footprint.

YRE International: What kind of meet-ups do you have scheduled, and what is it like working with people from other countries?

Twinning Group: We have established an action plan for our project. Students from Türkiye, Portugal, and the Netherlands host virtual meetings, during which they regularly report on the results of their local findings. Our students have engaged many project partners locally and globally, reaching out to school communities and families in Portugal, Türkiye, and the Netherlands, making this collaboration even more meaningful.

What we especially love about this international collaboration is that we meet so many like-minded people—young and old—who are passionate about making a positive impact on their countries and the planet!

Local and international YRE communities have been involved and kept informed via a WhatsApp group, schools’ social media accounts, and international platforms. Every step of our collaboration has been shared in the ‘GOLD’ International Online Kids Magazine by Ari Private Middle School.

We will continue this international collaboration by reaching out to local coffee shop markets, environmental organisations, and local and international media! By addressing these issues, we hope to inspire young people and communities worldwide to adopt sustainable habits and protect the environment.

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If you enjoyed this story, make sure to visit our Twinning Webpage to learn more about YRE International Collaboration.

Are you looking for a Twinning partner for your own international collaboration? Join our Facebook group to connect with like-minded teams from around the world.

And if you have a collaboration you'd love to share, feel free to contact us at education@fee.global—we’d love to hear about it!

Can Sailing Boats Keep Afloat Amid Growing Climate Threats?

The following article was written by Young Reporter for the Environment Elinor Roderick from United Kingdom. She was part of the sailing voyage organized Sail Training International who are in active collaboration with both the YRE Programme and the Blue Flag Programme.

Storms: The Uninvited Guests at Every Sailor’s Party

by Elinor Roderick, October 2024

Huge storms and hurricanes have been dominating the headlines, raising concerns about how sailors respond to these extreme weather events. Take Joseph Malinowski, also known as ‘Lieutenant Dan’, a Tampa sailor who survived two consecutive hurricanes aboard his 20-foot sailboat. Even after experiencing the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Malinowski stood by his decision not to evacuate during Hurricane Milton, claiming the “safest place to be is on a boat in a flood.” (1) But how safe is sailing, especially in an era of increasing climate change?

Sail Training International sailing T.S. Rupel before storm Isaac, Belgium coast LARA LAVER

Sailors often rely on the classic strategy of navigating away from a storm's path, but as storms intensify, sailing becomes more perilous. Climate change is causing more frequent and often severe weather events, making oceans more unpredictable and dangerous. Sailing, once the epitome of freedom and exploration, now faces a harsh reality.

Recently, I had the opportunity to experience this firsthand aboard T.S. Rupel and T.S. Saeftinghe as part of Sail Training International in Belgium. The voyage was a combination of learning and connecting with students from all over the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Sweden and Germany. However, the journey took an unexpected turn. Our adventure was cut short by Storm Isaac, a reminder of how unpredictable the sea has become. For two days, our ship was grounded, forcing us to explore the cities of Ghent and Ostend by train instead of by sea.

Sail Training International voyage crew 2024, Ostend SAIL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL

This pause in our journey brought me face-to-face with the growing environmental challenges caused by climate change. More frequent storms, like Isaac and Milton, are just the beginning. Historically, sailors could rely on the weather patterns, but those patterns are shifting, making it harder to plan voyages safely. The maritime industry is feeling the effects of a warming planet, and the question remains: how will sailing adapt?

Beyond the immediate dangers posed by storms, sailing also has an environmental gauge that can’t be ignored. While tall ships like the T.S. Rupel and T.S. Saeftinghe might seem like eco-friendly alternatives, my time aboard highlighted that there is still significant room for improvement. For instance, aboard T.S. Saeftinghe we separated general waste from recyclable materials, but more fundamental measures are needed to truly minimise environmental impact.

A promising example of sustainable innovation in tall ships is the Norwegian sail-training vessel, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl. Equipped with an advanced hybrid power system developed by Rolls-Royce, this ship harnesses wind power to recharge its batteries, significantly reducing its reliance on diesel engines. Not only does this allow the vessel to sail emission-free out of port, but its propeller also generates electricity while underway, storing energy in the ship's batteries for later use. The goal is to make the Statsraad Lehmkuhl a model of sustainability for other ships, demonstrating that even century-old vessels can embrace modern, eco-friendly technology.

Sail Training International sailing T.S. Saeftinghe before storm Isaac, Belgium coast ELINOR RODERICK

While the upfront costs for such systems are high, as seen with the Statsraad Lehmkuhl, which received NOK 4.2 million (£298,400) in funding for its refit, these investments can result in long-term savings (2). Battery systems and hybrid engines reduce fuel consumption and emissions, offsetting initial expenses through operational efficiencies over time.

Sustainability certainly comes with financial challenges. The skipper of the T.S. Saeftinghe demonstrated the ship's high-tech forecasting and communication systems, including a monitor, satellite-linked tablet, and personal phone—three separate methods for ensuring safety at sea. While these innovations enhance safety, they come with a hefty price tag, limiting such advancements to those with significant financial backing.

Maintaining a tall ship is already an expensive endeavour. For example, the Jubilee Sailing Trust, which operated the SV Tenacious, a tall ship designed to be sailed by people of all abilities, including those with disabilities, had to cease operations due to the overwhelming financial burden. Running the SV Tenacious cost a staggering £150,000 per month, with expenses covering maintenance, crew salaries, fuel, insurance, port fees and more (3). For many non-profit organisations, these costs are crippling. Could the added expenses of making these vessels more environmentally friendly push them over the edge?

However, just as with solar panels or other sustainable technologies, the initial investment may eventually pay off. By adopting renewable energy sources and more efficient systems, tall ships could reduce fuel and waste management costs and even gain greater independence from traditional port infrastructure. Over time, these steps could not only make sailing more sustainable but also more financially viable.

Belgium tackling climate change through renewable energy: windmills, Belgium coast ELINOR RODERICK

Belgium, with its 40-mile (60 km) coastline along the North Sea, is a great example of a country actively addressing climate change through various environmental initiatives. Wind farms dot the coastline, providing clean energy, while an extensive tram system offers a sustainable alternative to cars, reducing urban pollution. There are also grassroots efforts, such as encouraging locals and visitors to collect waste on beaches. In fact, I noticed designated areas on the beach where people could dispose of cigarette butts they had found—small but meaningful steps toward preserving the environment.

Belgium tackling climate change through sustainable mobility: trams, Zeebrugge PITANE.BLUE

Yet, there remains a noticeable disconnect between these land-based sustainability efforts and those in the maritime world. While cities and governments push for greener solutions onshore, maritime activities, particularly in sailing, seem slower to adopt comprehensive environmental measures. Despite the strides made on land, much more needs to be done at sea to align sailing practices with modern environmental goals.

Belgium tackling climate change through local environmental initiatives: cigarette collection, Ostend Beach ELINOR RODERICK

The world of tall ship sailing is at a crossroads as climate change intensifies. Storms are stark reminders of the increasing risks, but they also highlight the need for broader adaptations—both in navigation and sustainability. To ensure sailing's future, tall ships must not only be prepared for the physical challenges of navigating rougher seas, but also evolve to reduce their environmental footprint. The question isn't just whether sailing boats can weather the storm, but whether they can embrace the necessary sustainable innovations to remain viable in a changing world. Significant transformations, both above and below deck, will be essential to keeping the art of sailing alive in this era of climate urgency.

Citations

1. https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/im-fine-tampas-lt-dan-survives-milton-on-his-boat/

2. https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2018/21-02-2018-the-tall-ship-that-harnesses-thewind-

   to-recharge-its-batteries.aspx#

3. https://www.pbo.co.uk/news/jubilee-sailing-trust-closes-due-to-a-lack-of-funds-83576
   
   

References

• Rodriguez, N. (2024) ‘I’m fine’: Tampa’s ‘lt. Dan’ survives Milton on his boat | WFLA, News Channel 8.Available at: https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/im-fine-tampas-lt-dan-survivesmilton-on-his-boat/ (Accessed: 10 October 2024).

• Rolls-Royce (2018) The tall ship that harnesses the wind to recharge its batteries, rolls-royce.com. Available at: https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2018/21-02-2018-the-tall-shipthat-harnesses-the-wind-to-recharge-its-batteries.aspx (Accessed: 14 October 2024).

• Stickland, K. (2023) Jubilee sailing trust closes due to a lack of funds, Practical Boat Owner. Available at: https://www.pbo.co.uk/news/jubilee-sailing-trust-closes-due-to-a-lack-of-funds-83576 (Accessed: 14 October 2024).

YRE Türkiye goes to Sustainable Development Congress in Bangkok

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our YRE students from Türkiye, İris Esin, Sera Ertuğ, Bediz Bade Huntürk, Çağla Yağcı, Defne Mey Dilsiz, Asya Emel Halvacıoğlu, and Şevket Yiğit Cebeci!

This past June, these dedicated young people took a significant step forward in their environmental advocacy by attending the prestigious Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSD Congress) developed by Times Higher Education in Bangkok, Thailand. This international event provided them with a valuable platform to engage with sustainability leaders, broaden their knowledge, and showcase their own research on Carbon Capture through a captivating presentation. 

Immersed in a Global Sustainability Dialogue 

"Upon arriving in Bangkok, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere," shared Defne Mey Dilsiz, a 15-year-old YRE student, in their report about the conference. "The energy was electric, filled with passionate individuals from all walks of life, all united in the pursuit of sustainable solutions." The congress sessions covered a wide range of pressing topics, from renewable energy to sustainable urban planning. "Each discussion underscored the urgency of the climate crisis, but also the potential for positive change through collaboration," noted İris Esin, a 16-year-old YRE student. 

Presenting a Model Carbon Capture Project 

A highlight of the trip for the YRE students was undoubtedly the chance to present their own project, titled "A Model Carbon Capture Project," to an international audience. "Our presentation centered on a breakthrough technology inspired by a natural process involving magnesium and atmospheric carbon dioxide," explained Sera Ertuğ, another 16-year-old YRE student. "This biomimicry approach has the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against climate change." 

The presentation resonated with the audience, sparking lively discussions and positive feedback. "We were particularly encouraged by the enthusiasm from attendees who share our commitment to a sustainable future," said Bediz Bade Huntürk, a 16-year-old YRE student. "The feedback and discussions opened new avenues for further improvements and potential partnerships." 

Empowered to Make a Difference 

The GSD Congress wasn't just about sharing their project – it was about learning and growing as young environmental advocates. "Equipping ourselves with valuable insights from prominent researchers and industry experts was truly inspiring," shared Çağla Yağcı, a 16-year-old YRE student. "We're now even more motivated to refine our carbon capture approach and contribute significantly to the global conversation." 

The focus on nature-inspired solutions aligns their strategy with ecological principles. "Our goal is to develop a solution that works in harmony with the environment, not against it," said Asya Emel Halvacıoğlu, a 16-year-old YRE student. "We believe that tackling climate change requires a multifaceted approach that integrates scientific ingenuity with practical application." 

Returning from Bangkok, these YRE students from Türkiye are brimming with ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. "We are dedicated to advancing our carbon capture model, fostering collaboration, and influencing policy frameworks to create a sustainable and resilient future for all," concluded Şevket Yiğit Cebeci, a 16-year-old YRE student. Their dedication and innovative spirit are a true inspiration for all. 

Finalists: Highlighting the most inspiring stories and the impact demonstrated in the years since the award was presented

Article written by YRE Assistant Hazel Rose Villa, 2023

International YRE Follow-up Competition

The Young Reporters for the Environment programme has been running for over 29 years, with thousands of young people having participated from around the world. Each year, high-quality articles, photographs, and videos created by Young Reporters are submitted to national YRE competitions. Winners are then entered into the International YRE Competition, where the most inspiring journalism pieces are selected. Many stories from Young Reporters reveal environmental challenges in their local communities, but it is the stories that offer solutions that stand out the most. But have these Young Reporters been able to make a change?

Earlier this year, we invited winners from the 2021 and 2022 International YRE Competition to share with us the impact their story had after it was disseminated and today we’re delighted to present the winners of this follow-up competition! We received nine entries from six different countries that highlighted the impact of the Young Reporters’ work. The exceptional pieces that were submitted to this follow-up competition demonstrate YRE participants’ ongoing drive and development.

Competition entries were reviewed by a jury made up of the YRE International team and the YRE representative on the Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) Board of Directors. The jury evaluated the entries based on the themes they chose for their competition story, their analysis and how the situation changed thanks to their work as Young Reporters. The entries that were nominated and recognized this year show that YRE participants have a thorough awareness of local environmental challenges. They provided insightful and fascinating projects that showed both the environmental problems and the local solutions that have been produced.

Screenshot from the video "The Forgotten Duchess of the Adriatic"

“The Forgotten Duchess of the Adriatic"

The winning entry is a video by Diandra Kočan’s called "Zaboravljena knjeginja Jadrana" or “The Forgotten Duchess of the Adriatic" from Montenegro, on which four individuals worked. The winning team was originally motivated to join the YRE Competition because of the uniqueness of the competition and the fact that it was a way to make their voices heard, which is exactly what they did with their video.

"Diandra's work is a worthy recipient of this year's award for the very good and impactfully described story," said FEE Board Member, Sasha Karajovic. In their original entry, this group of four Young Reporters highlighted that the Bratica River, locally referred to as “the septic tank” flowed into the Port Milena. The Young Reporters explained that “It is Port Milena's biggest polluter. Wastewater and faeces from 1,200 residential buildings that do not have a sewage system were discharged into the Bratica River. As a result, an enormous amount of trash, chemicals and faeces give the water in Port Milena unpleasant colour and smell, while also taking away its title of a "home". With the living conditions, it presents sea creatures with, there is no foundation for surviving let alone thriving.”

Screenshot from the video "The Forgotten Duchess of the Adriatic"

Screenshot from the video "The Forgotten Duchess of the Adriatic"

Their video about the pollution in the Port of Milena caught the local media’s attention, and the students talked about their experience in the YRE Competition at their local TV station, which also shared their video. The students believed that what made their video impactful was that “we presented steps that have to be taken in order to resolve the problem, so what's up to them is to be open-minded, to change the budget priorities and to listen.” Their video urged “the government of our town, but also our country, to consider the situation of the canal, as a serious problem, and to then take action.”

““We presented steps that have to be taken in order to resolve the problem, so what’s up to them is to be open-minded, to change the budget priorities and to listen.””

— Diandra Kočan

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"Saving Stray Animals Is the Hope of Saving the Environment"

We also have the pleasure of awarding an Honorable Mention to Nour Nabulsi from Israel, who wrote an article titled "Saving Stray Animals Is the Hope of Saving the Environment." In Nour's words, the biggest challenge was “choosing the problem that most affect the environment to shed light on it, as I collected dozens of problems, which I wished to publish as many as possible and start solving them together.” The impact of her article on her local community after it was published was significant. It increased awareness about stray animals and environmental problems and she began to take actions to address these challenges.

Stray Animals from Nour’s article

Stray Animals from Nour’s article

The YRE International team would like to congratulate these Young Reporters for the excellent work they have produced and for sharing the story of their impact through this follow-up competition. The effort to track what impact the YRE stories are making locally will be continued next year and hope to see how the YRE youth are gaining leadership skills that drive impactful and positive changes locally.

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About Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE): Founded in 1994, the YRE programme empowers young people to research and report on local environmental issues and promote solutions through investigative reporting, photography, and video journalism, giving them a sense that they can really make a difference in the world.

About FEE: Established in 1981, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is one of the world's largest environmental education organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 81 countries. With 40 years of impactful experience in ESD, our new strategic plan - GAIA 20:30 - prioritises climate action across all five programmes to address the urgent threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.