GEC Activities

The GEC responds to the new requirements of young people
“Practical training in professions linked to the environment and heritage, contributing one’s efforts in a spirit of solidarity, discovering a different country, sharing work methods and techniques.”
Between 1990 and 1996, the European Environment and Heritage Campuses welcomed in this spirit thousands of young volunteers from 25 European countries during the summer months.

Europe and the Mediterranean
“Meeting local participants, in the context of development projects rooted in the local territories”
In 1995, the European Tourism Campuses allowed young professionals in the tourist industry to learn more about alternative forms of tourism that respect the environment and local heritage.
In 1996, the European “Environment-Employment” Campuses allowed young people to study the integration of environmental concerns into local development projects. These campuses lasted between 6 and 10 months, providing an opportunity for detailed local study.
“To acquire in-depth professional experience over a longer period of time whilst discovering a country and responding to precise local needs.”
Since 1997, the Euro-Mediterranean Network of Volunteers for the Environment and Heritage completes the programme of the European Campuses by prolonging ground level action and answering local needs with greater flexibility. Over three years, more than one hundred young people have participated in about fifty projects in fifteen countries.

Socio-economic policies
Borders are opening, the GEC reaches further….
In 1993: The campuses arrive for the first time in countries of eastern and central Europe.
In 1996: The first Campus in Cyprus launches the network towards the south and the east of the Mediterranean region.
In 2000: This spirit of openness is largely confirmed by the extension of the Euro-Mediterranean Network of Volunteers for the Environment and Heritage (REVEP) to the south rim of the Mediterranean.
In 2001: The RIVE programme reinforces this international dimension: young people from southern and eastern countries participate in various activities. Projects outside the European Union increase in number.

Socio-economic policies evolve, the GEC responds…
In 1988, at the request of the European Commission:
“The projects which form the basis of the Campuses must be significant in the long term and have a sustainable impact on local development.”
“Links must be formed with training programme in the heritage professions.”
The GEC’s activities are now based on a Campus charter and a charter for the network of volunteers.

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