Our project encouraged young people to connect through intercultural dialogue while exploring nature. Partners highlighted the benefits of outdoor time for mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Activities like nature walks and light hikes provided simple yet powerful ways to reduce stress and improve health, with basic safety knowledge ensuring a smooth experience.

The project provided a hands-on outdoor learning program that brought young people from different backgrounds together. We held the mobility in La Plaine-des-Palmistes, Réunion—an ideal spot with beautiful trails and natural landscapes. With 40% of the island recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was the perfect setting. At the same time, we showcased Réunion’s untapped potential, inspiring young people to spark positive change in their communities.

The first two days focused on team-building, setting project norms, and fostering collaboration. Participants were introduced to the Youthpass certificate and the Erasmus+ program while conducting an initial project assessment.

The workshops on safety in hiking were also conducted, providing participants with essential knowledge on risk management, emergency preparedness, and responsible hiking practices. These sessions included practical demonstrations, group discussions, and hands-on exercises to ensure a comprehensive understanding of hiking safety.

The last two days focused on compiling project results, planning community outreach activities, and completing the final project evaluation. Participants finalized their Youthpass certificates, reflecting on their learning experiences before receiving official recognition.

Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is renowned for its extraterrestrial landscape. Hiking here truly felt like stepping onto another planet, with rugged terrain and an otherworldly atmosphere. The barren landscape has little vegetation, except for a few hardy bushes that manage to survive in this extreme environment.

The hike is of medium difficulty, leading us down a roped pathway into a caldera—a vast hollow left behind after a volcanic eruption. The route is marked by closely spaced white paint dots, easy to follow but difficult to find once strayed from. Unfortunately, thick clouds rolled in as we approached the summit, drastically reducing visibility. Prioritizing safety, we turned back. Despite this, trekking across this active volcano was an unforgettable experience—challenging, humbling, and truly like walking on another world.

One of the most unforgettable hikes we did was through the Forêt de Bébour and Bélouve, a misty forest high in the mountains that felt alive with fresh rain and cool air. The wooden walkways made it easy to navigate the muddy spots, so anyone—from kids to seniors—could enjoy the trail, which added to its charm. As we walked, we were surrounded by towering trees, moss-covered trunks, and the occasional wild orchid, with birds flitting through the branches. The trail eventually led us to a stunning viewpoint over Trou de Fer, a massive chasm with waterfalls plunging down its steep cliffs—a sight so mesmerizing it was hard to look away. As the afternoon went on, the mist started rolling back in, slowly covering the trees and reminding us it was time to head back. 

The intercultural evening provided participants with a firsthand experience of Réunionese culture, as local hosts showcased their traditional songs and celebrations. Throughout the event, there were numerous opportunities to learn more about this overseas French department, from tasting local food to observing daily habits—sometimes even noticing that time seemed to pass differently there.

Participants also had the chance to share their own cultures, presenting videos about their home countries and engaging the locals in creative and entertaining games designed to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding.