Forests are essential to life. They protect biodiversity, regulate the climate, preserve soil and water, and provide habitats for countless species. However, deforestation and the effects of climate change continue to threaten forest ecosystems across Europe. Reforestation is therefore more than planting trees: it is a long-term commitment to restoring natural environments, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening the relationship between people and nature. 

In today’s highly digital world, young people are constantly exposed to information about environmental challenges, yet this awareness does not always lead to practical involvement. Many care about the environment but lack the confidence, tools, or opportunities to take meaningful action. By combining digital tools with hands-on reforestation activities, ReForest will help young people move from passive online engagement to active environmental participation. They will learn how technology can support ecological action, contribute directly to planting trees, and discover how they can continue making a difference in their own communities.

ReForest aims to increase environmentally responsible action supported by digital tools among young people aged 18–24  from Romania, Hungary, Czechia, and Portugal, with reforestation as the central action of the Youth Exchange.

Here is what we aim to achieve with our project:

Where You'll Stay

The ReForest Youth Exchange will take place in Lacu Roșu, Transylvania - Romania. Participants will be accommodated at Lacu Rosu Mountain Lodge for the duration of the mobility, with accommodation costs covered by the project.

Rooms

Participants will stay in shared rooms for 2 or 5 people, with one spacious shared room accommodating up to 8 people. Room allocation will respect participants' comfort, safety, and gender-related needs while supporting an inclusive group environment.

What to Bring

Please remember to pack your personal toiletries and any medicine you may need, as these are not provided. 

Meals and Dietary Needs

Daily meals and two coffee breaks per day will be provided throughout the mobility. Balanced options, including vegetarian and vegan meals, will be available. Participants must communicate any allergies, dietary restrictions, or special dietary needs before arrival so the project team can make the necessary arrangements. 

Nearby Amenities and Internet Access

A shop is located approximately two minutes’ walk from the accommodation and accepts card payments. Internet access is also available at the venue throughout the mobility.

About Lacu Rosu

Lacu Roșu is a mountain destination in Romania whose natural setting supports outdoor learning, biodiversity exploration, and practical environmental activities. Its connection with the National Park of Cheile Bicazului makes it a relevant place to learn about forests, tree species, deforestation, and reforestation while engaging directly with the surrounding environment.

Lacu Rosu, Romania

Participants will travel to Lacu Roșu through routes coordinated by their sending organisations and the AGOJE team. 

Environmentally sustainable travel is prioritised whenever possible, and participants are encouraged to travel together with their national group and group leaders.

Arrival Instructions: 

Czech Republic & Hungary

Participants will use green travel and reach the project venue by bus. The organisers will arrange a rented bus that will collect the national groups from the Czech Republic and Hungary. The groups will coordinate their journeys so participants can travel together, supported by their group leaders.

Portugal 

Participants will fly either to Budapest or Cluj. From there, they will join the shared bus travelling with the other participants to the project venue in Lacu Roșu. The airport will be choosen according to the available flights at the moment 

Romania

Participants will use green travel methods such as trains, buses, or carpooling. The Romanian group will coordinate its route with the group leaders and travel together whenever possible.

*Itinerary Approval: Make sure your travel plans are approved by either the host or the sending organization before booking your tickets. Please note that if the travel route was not approved in advance, it may not be eligible for reimbursement. 

All travel itineraries must be approved by the host or sending organisation before tickets are purchased. Detailed information about meeting points, departure times, connections, and the final transfer to Lacu Roșu will be communicated in advance. Flights should only be used where no reasonable green-travel alternative is available.

*Travel Dates: The activity days of the project are from October 11th to October 22nd, 2026. 

 Booking Your Travel:

• Search and Approval: Once selected for the project, participants can begin searching for the most suitable travel options. Tickets must not be purchased before the complete itinerary and proposed tickets have been approved by the host or sending organisation. Each partner organisation will assist its national group with route planning, booking, travel preparation, and the practical arrangements needed to reach Lacu Roșu safely. 

• Uploading Documents: After booking, participants must save their travel confirmation email and tickets as PDF files. All tickets, invoices, and boarding passes connected to the journey must be uploaded to the Google Drive link that will be shared by email. Screenshots are accepted for boarding passes, but tickets must be uploaded as PDF files. 

Note: Boarding passes saved in mobile wallets can disappear, especially with low-cost airlines. Please take screenshots of all your boarding passes before boarding the plane, ensuring you also save the boarding pass in your photo gallery for easy access.

• Payment: The reimbursement for travel expenses will take place only after the follow-up activities have been completed. Once these activities are carried out, reimbursement will be processed in a single transfer per country to the sending organization, ensuring that the process remains streamlined and well-organized.

Note: Public transportation tickets costing under 2 euros will not be reimbursable and will be considered part of the co-funding contribution. This policy helps reduce the administrative burden of processing numerous small transactions and encourages the group to share responsibility for minor local travel costs.

Countries and Budget

• Make sure to obtain the European Health Insurance Card and secure a Travel Insurance (for around 15€) to cover any travel/medical needs during your stay. The insurance costs fall under the participants co-financing responsibilities, which means they won't be eligible for reimbursement;

• Always carry your passport or ID card with you. If you have two different documents, keep them in separate luggage in case one gets lost;

• The weather in Lacu Roșu during October can be cold, with average daytime highs of around 12°C and night time lows dropping to around 4°C. Bring warm layers and a good jacket so you can stay comfortable throughout the youth exchange.

• Travel light and consider only bringing a backpack for ease of movement;

• You can use your card for payments in most shops, so it’s convenient to rely on card transactions. If you need cash, avoid exchanging money at the airport, where rates can be less favourable;

• Bring your good vibes! A positive attitude will enhance your experience and help you connect better with others. 

Do you have any other questions? Check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and if you still have doubts, contact us 🙂

1. If you're at least 18 years old;

2. People who are genuinely curious about environmental protection, reforestation, digital tools, and community action;

3. Participants who are open to intercultural learning and working with young people from different backgrounds;

4. People prepared to take part in every project phase: preparation, the online meeting, the 10-day mobility, follow-up, and dissemination.