GreenMascot: Strengthening BSB Local Capacities for Environmental Awareness in and through Sport is an 18-month transnational project implemented under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, with partners from Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Türkiye.
The project responds to the growing environmental challenges in the region, including pollution and the increasing environmental footprint of sport-related activities. GreenMascot uses sport as a communication and education tool to raise awareness and encourage environmentally responsible behaviour.
Project Objective
The main objective of GreenMascot is to strengthen the capacity of local authorities in the Black Sea Basin to educate citizens and promote environmentally friendly behaviour through sport. By doing so, the project contributes to the protection of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, as well as to the reduction of pollution related to sporting activities and events.
Why Sport?
Sport has a unique ability to reach wide audiences, engage communities and inspire change. GreenMascot builds on this potential by integrating environmental awareness into sports events, sports organisations and educational activities, turning sport into a driver for sustainable development at local and regional level.
Project Activities
GreenMascot develops and implements a set of interconnected activities. A practical toolkit, called RACE TO SUSTAINABILITY, supports local authorities in planning and delivering environmentally friendly sports events and awareness campaigns. The toolkit is complemented by international training sessions, pilot sports events, public awareness campaigns and an international GreenMascot Contest involving schools and young people. The project concludes with an international high-level conference to share results, lessons learned and future perspectives.
Transnational Cooperation
Environmental issues in the Black Sea Basin are transnational by nature and require joint solutions. GreenMascot is based on strong cross-border cooperation, enabling partners to exchange experience, develop common approaches and achieve sustainable impact beyond national borders.
Target Groups and Impact
The project directly and indirectly benefits local and regional authorities, sports clubs and organisations, schools, teachers, students and the wider public. By strengthening institutional capacity and raising public awareness, GreenMascot contributes to long-term behavioural change and a greener future for the Black Sea region.
GreenMascot in a Nutshell
GreenMascot brings together sport, environment and community to support a more sustainable future. It demonstrates how sport can be used not only for physical activity, but also as a powerful tool for environmental education and positive social change.
GreenMascot aims to strengthen the capacity of local authorities and sports communities in the Black Sea Basin to promote environmental awareness and environmentally friendly behaviour through sport.
Environmental degradation and pollution remain major challenges in the region, with sport-related activities contributing to waste generation, resource consumption and emissions. At the same time, local administrations and sports organisations often lack the knowledge, tools and experience to address these challenges in a structured and effective way.
During its 18-month implementation period, GreenMascot creates a transnational, innovation-oriented and cooperation-driven environment that enables local authorities to use sport as a powerful tool for education, awareness raising and behavioural change. The project supports the development and testing of practical solutions, builds skills and promotes joint actions across borders to reduce the environmental footprint of sport and sporting events.
Strengthen the skills and knowledge of local authorities to plan and implement environmental awareness initiatives in and through sport, supported by training and practical tools.
Develop and test the RACE TO SUSTAINABILITY Toolkit, providing step-by-step guidance for organising environmentally friendly sports events and awareness campaigns.
Use sport as a communication channel to engage citizens, sports clubs, schools and young people in environmental protection and sustainable behaviour.
Organise and implement green sports events and awareness campaigns in four countries to demonstrate practical solutions with a low environmental footprint.
Encourage students and schools to actively participate through the international GreenMascot Contest, promoting innovative ideas for protecting the environment through sport.
Foster cooperation between local authorities, sports organisations and stakeholders across borders to develop shared solutions for common environmental challenges.
GreenMascot addresses local and regional authorities, sports clubs and organisations, schools, teachers, students and the wider public in the Black Sea Basin. By strengthening institutional capacity and raising public awareness, the project aims to achieve long-term impact and sustainable behavioural change.
The Lead Partner coordinates the project implementation and ensures overall management, communication and quality control. YSCV has long-standing experience in using sport as a tool for education, social inclusion and environmental awareness, as well as in managing EU-funded transnational projects.
A large multi-sport organisation closely linked to local public authorities, with extensive experience in organising sports events and engaging local communities in social and environmental initiatives.
An experienced environmental NGO with strong expertise in marine and coastal protection, environmental education and stakeholder engagement in the Black Sea region.
A local public authority with a strong sports calendar and active involvement in environmental education and awareness-raising initiatives at municipal level.
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