Twenty five young people and five local coordinators from the left bank of the Nistru River learned how to produce clean energy from natural sources and to make their communities environment-friendly at a eco festival conducted during March 25-27, 2016. The event was initiated by the Energy and Biomass Project funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Program, IPN reports, quoting a press release of UNDP.

Young people, aged between 14-16, came from different localities. During three days, the young participants were engaged in debates on global warming, and in workshops to develop social spots and banners to advocate for the use of green energy. Visits to bio-fuel companies operating on the left bank of the Nistru River were conducted.

“Today each of us feels the impact of climate change. This is a reality that we need to change today and now for the people to breathe clean air, drink clean water, eat healthy food and live in an environment safe from natural disasters,” said Natalia Halaim, teacher at Vasile Lupu high school, Chisinau, and eco-festival’s facilitator.

The most active eco-festival participants will take part in the summer camp “Energel 2016”, fifth edition.

“Think global, act local - this is what we are trying to inspire young people to believe in the impact of their actions. Raising children's' awareness on the need to increase the share of renewable energy at local level consumption is important in order to limit the global warming connected risks worldwide,” said Victor Cotruta, Energy and Biomass Project manager.

The Energy and Biomass Project is a three-year €9.41 million project granted by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Program during 2015-2017.