Green transition is a strategic priority in the Nordic Council of Ministers' Vision 2030. Education at all levels and lifelong learning play a crucial role in achieving this. Vision 2030 specifically mentions the importance of promoting a green transition and working towards carbon neutrality and a circular and bio-based economy. Many Nordplus projects focus on green growth, climate change and sustainable development. Topics include ocean pollution, ecological footprint, food waste, recycling, renewable energy, natural resource management, circular economy, regenerative agriculture, sustainable tourism, etc. These Nordplus projects aim to reorient education, helping children, students, adult learners and teachers to develop the knowledge, skills, values and behaviors needed to achieve sustainable development. The individual is encouraged to be a responsible actor solving challenges.

The site is continuously updated with project results and news from the Nordic/Baltic adult learning sector.

Nordplus Adult project develops two new education programmes in Arctic supply engineering 

In the development project “Ingerlatsinermut issittumi piujuaannartumik nukissiuteqarnermut teknikeri - Operation technician in renewable energy under Arctic conditions” (NPAD-2021/10106), partners from Denmark, Greenland and Svalbard in Norway have developed two new education programmes for skilled and unskilled operation technicians. The education programmes “Arctic supply operator (basic VET)” and “Skilled Arctic supply operator (VET advanced level)” have been approved by the Greenlandic Ministry of Education. The aim is for the two education programmes to provide technicians with the skills to support and drive the implementation of renewable energy sources in Arctic areas such as Greenland and Svalbard. Along the way, the partners have worked, among other things, with an innovative “reverse peer-learning method” to address linguistic and cultural barriers in teaching the target group. Read more about the project here. Languages: DA, ENG

Sustainability in local food & drink production: Free tools for SMEs in Estonia, Latvia and Norway

In the development project “Reaching greener future in local food & drink production and provider SME sector” (NPAD-2021/10090), partners from Estonia, Latvia and Norway have developed a handbook, an online training tool and a checklist on sustainability in local food and drink production. The materials are free and available to anyone who wants to get an overview of what sustainability means for an ecotourism business or who wants to assess the sustainability potential of their business. Read more about the project on the respective country websites here: EE here, LV here  and NO here.

Outdoor museums as partners in the conservation of cultural heritage plants and agrobiodiversity

In the development project “Growing Seed Savers in Museums” (NPAD-2021/10201), partners from Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have created a cooperation model between outdoor museums and seed collectors to strengthen knowledge about agrobiodiversity and heritage plants. The project has resulted in five educational programs for museums, ten learning videos on seed saving, eight practice-based garden activities and case studies of museum gardens. In addition, a new digital platform has been developed with educational materials for museum staff. Read more here. Languages: DA, EE, ENG, LT, LV

Short food supply chains strengthen sustainable development in the Nordic and Baltic region

Through a collaborative project “Short Food Supply schemes in Nordic-Baltic” (NPAD-2020/10256) between Lithuania, Denmark, Iceland and Norway, 28 participants from the agricultural sector have gained insights and shared experiences on short food supply chains. Study visits to all four partner countries have highlighted innovative solutions such as farm shops, mobile food markets, local food communities and digital marketing of agricultural products.

The project has led to new collaborations, strengthened local networks and inspired concrete initiatives, including the establishment of a new farm shop in Lithuania and an increased focus on tourism as a path to sustainable food production. Read more about the project results here. Languages: LT, ENG, and watch the video about short food supply chains in Lithuania here. Language: ENG.

Nordic Education Network for Innovative Climate Journalism

Through the collaborative project “Nordic Education Network for Innovative Climate Journalism” (NPAD-2021/10074) between Denmark, Sweden and Norway, journalists from the three countries have gained insights and shared experiences on climate journalism. Seminars, workshops and study visits have highlighted innovative ways to tackle the green transition in the media, including the use of digital source collections and online tools.

The project has resulted in new collaborations and the development of concrete methods and tools, the Climate Toolbox, which can be used by journalists and further education institutions in the Nordic region. It has also inspired the establishment of a new training concept for climate journalism and an increased focus on transnational collaboration. Read more about the project results on this website. Languages: DA, NO, SE.

Nature-based Education and Digital Ecotourism in the Nordics and Baltics

Through a collaborative project between Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Finland and Sweden, the project "Nature and Digital-Based Education on Ecotourism" (NPAD-2022/10144) has worked to promote travel behavior and increased knowledge about nature protection through ecotourism education. The project has focused on educating adults about sustainable ecotourism practices and equipment to develop and offer eco-tours, both physical and virtual. The results include a national research report on ecotourism, a comprehensive guide to creating ecotourism routes and an ecotourism handbook containing best practices and resources in the Nordic and Baltic regions. The project has also developed guidelines for creating interactive StoryMaps that promote responsible tourism. Read more about the project's results here. Language: ENG.

UP-FEEL: Strengthening the mental well-being of young people in the age of the climate crisis

UP-FEEL is the development project "UP-FEEL: Reducing the effects of climate change on young adults' mental wellbeing" (NPAD-2023/10004) between Lithuania, Latvia and Finland, which aims to help young adults deal with climate anxiety and turn their concerns into action. The project offers resources such as an extensive toolbox, podcasts and a report that provides insight into climate anxiety among young people. The goal is to build resilience and promote mental health through sustainability education. The results will be available online for at least five years. Read more and find the project's resources here. Languages: ENG, FI, LV, LT.