The Living Bog is the largest single raised bog restoration project ever undertaken in Ireland. The project aims to improve over 2,600 hectares of important raised bog habitat, supporting hundreds of plants and species, including many of Ireland’s rarest animals, birds, and insects. Restoration work is being carried out on 12 Natura 2000 sites across seven counties.

Link: The Living Bog

The Fair Seas campaign is a coalition of Ireland’s leading environmental NGOs working to protect, conserve, and restore Ireland’s marine environment. Their primary goal is to ensure that 30% of Irish waters are designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2030, aligning with EU and global biodiversity commitments.

Link: FairSeas | Building a Movement of Ocean Stewardship 

Landvernd is a national NGO that focuses on nature conservation and environmental protection. It engages in public awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and educational programmes. It has led efforts on protecting Iceland’s highlands, sustainable tourism development, and school education on ecological

citizenship.

Why it matters: Landvernd plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Iceland’s natural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and

fostering environmental awareness among citizens.

Learn more: landvernd.is

The Icelandic partner of BirdLife International, Fuglavernd is committed to the conservation of Iceland’s rich birdlife and their habitats. It manages bird reserves, engages in habitat

restoration, and educates the public about bird conservation, particularly for species like puffins and arctic terns.

Why it matters: Iceland is home to numerous bird species, some of which are globally significant.

Fuglavernd’s work ensures the protection of these species and the ecological balance of their habitats.

Learn more: fuglavernd.is

In 2016, the average Finn used around 300 plastic bags per year.  More than many other EU countries. To tackle this, Finland launched a coordinated campaign promoting reusable cloth bags through schools, stores, and public awareness efforts.

Retailers now charge for plastic bags, and there’s signage everywhere encouraging people to bring their own. The results? A dramatic drop in plastic bag use — now estimated at around 50 bags per person annually, and still falling. The campaign is often playful and locally themed — for example, reusable tote bags reading Käytä Pullustokassia (Use a reusable bag). 

By making sustainability feel relatable and cultural, the campaign succeeded in changing habits. It shows that with the right messaging and support, people are willing to change for the better.

Learn more: linkage.fi

Every spring, Finland hosts Green Week, a volunteer-based environmental initiative that

engages youth in eco-activities across the country. From urban gardening and reforestation to art installations about climate change, young people take real ownership in shaping a greener

society.

What’s special is that this isn’t just local. Young people from all over Europe join through the European Solidarity Corps. It becomes an international learning experience, blending environmental action with teamwork, creativity, and intercultural dialogue.

These kinds of projects matter, they show young people that their ideas and energy can have a tangible impact. Many participants have gone on to lead environmental NGOs or pursue green

careers. It’s not just a weeklong event it’s a spark for long-term leadership and activism.

KuzeyDoğa focuses on protecting endangered species and ecosystems in eastern Türkiye. They offer volunteer opportunities in projects like the Predatory Carnivorous Mammals Research Project and bird ringing activities at the Aras Bird Research and Education Center.

What You Can Do:

• Fill out the online volunteer form on their website.

• Participate in field research such as bird banding, camera trap monitoring, and tracking wild mammals.

• Assist in nature education programs or eco-tourism events in Eastern Türkiye (especially Kars and Iğdır regions).

• Ideal for nature lovers, biology students, or those interested in fieldwork.

SAD-AFAG works to protect the endangered Mediterranean monk seals and their coastal habitats along the Turkish coast. They welcome volunteers to participate in research and public awareness activities.

What You Can Do:

• Register as a volunteer member on their website.

• Help with monitoring seal habitats, community outreach, and awareness campaigns.

• Support coastal protection by joining clean-up activities or educational events.

• If you're a diver, videographer, or marine science student, you may support their field research directly.

Green-Schools Ireland is the nation's leading environmental education and award programme for schools, coordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce. It is part of the international Eco-Schools network, operating in over 60 countries. The programme empowers students and school communities to take meaningful environmental action through a structured, student-led approach and has been part of Ireland for 26 years.

Link: Green-Schools | Working Together For A Sustainable Future 

Contribute to Ireland's reforestation by volunteering as a tree planter or assisting with administrative tasks. Commit to at least one shift every two weeks for a minimum of three months.

Link: TreeChange

A joint project by the Icelandic Forestry Association and the Icelandic Environment Association. Kolviður enables individuals and companies to offset their carbon emissions through tree planting and carbon sequestration

initiatives in Iceland, particularly in areas affected by deforestation and erosion.

Why it matters: By promoting afforestation, Kolviður helps combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and enhance carbon sequestration

in Iceland’s landscapes.

Learn more: kolvidur.is

A youth-led environmental organisation that empowers young people in Iceland to take action

on climate change, plastic reduction, biodiversity protection, and sustainability through campaigns,

workshops, and activism. They play a key role in youth involvement in policymaking and public

awareness.

Why it matters: Empowering youth is essential for long-term environmental stewardship. This organisation fosters informed debate and active participation among Iceland’s younger

generations.

Learn more: umhverfissinnar.is

EKOenergy is an international nonprofit ecolabel for renewable energy, headquartered in

Helsinki. It certifies electricity, gas, and heat that meet strict environmental criteria, ensuring that

energy production respects biodiversity and contributes to climate protection.

By choosing EKOenergy-certified energy, consumers and businesses support renewable energy projects worldwide. For every megawatt-hour sold, a contribution is made to EKOenergy'ss Climate Fund, financing renewable energy projects in developing countries.

Fun Fact:EKOenergy has funded solar-powered sewing machines for women in Cameroon, promoting both clean energy and women's empowerment

Restaurant Nolla, located in Helsinki, operates on a zero-waste philosophy. The restaurant minimizes waste by composting food scraps, sourcing locally, and avoiding single-use items.

The food industry contributes significantly to global waste. Nolla showcases how restaurants can operate sustainably, inspiring both consumers and businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Fun Fact:"Nolla" means "zero" in Finnish, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to zero waste.

It is a massive tree-planting campaign initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The campaign has seen millions of saplings planted across Türkiye, aiming to expand forested areas and combat climate change.

What You Can Do:

• Discover the Campaign on the official website

• Sign up via the Ministry of Forestry’s website or your local forest management office for national planting days.

• Join planting events on National Afforestation Day (November 11).

• Create your own local campaign or club to plant and care for saplings.

• Share your planting activity online with the hashtag #GeleceğeNefes to spread awareness.

It is a nationwide afforestation initiative launched by the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK). The project aims to plant at least 2 million saplings annually, symbolising one tree for each worker in Türkiye. 

What You Can Do:

• Visit the TİSK Website to find information on upcoming events and contact local TİSK representatives through their contact page to inquire about participation opportunities and collaborations

• Participate in tree planting events

• Engage in awareness campaigns

• Collaborate with local organisations