Projects developed by children from Türkiye, Greece, Ukraine, and Bulgaria to address environmental issues will come together at the International Environment and Science Festival, which will be held on October 7–8, 2026, in Xanthi, Greece.

The festival, one of the international events of the ecosySTEM – Empowering Children for Environmental Sustainability through E-STEM project, implemented under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme with co-financing from the European Union, will showcase 12 student projects selected from four countries.

Children Develop Their Own Solutions to Environmental Issues

As part of the ecosySTEM project, children in Türkiye, Greece, Ukraine, and Bulgaria received E.STEM training on biodiversity, soil, water, air, renewable energy, and waste.

Following the training, children developed their own ideas based on problems they encountered in their local environments through Design Thinking and project development activities. The projects selected as a result of local initiatives will bring students from all four countries together on the same platform at the international festival in Xanthi.

At the festival, students will present their projects to visitors and participants from other countries. They will also have the opportunity to explore environmentally focused ideas developed in different countries and exchange experiences with one another.

Three Projects from Türkiye to Be Presented in Xanthi

Among the projects selected following the activities carried out in Türkiye are a sensor system for detecting radiation and toxic gases, an early warning system to address water losses in rural water supply networks, and a digital game called “Water-Saving Agents,” designed to teach children about water conservation through play.

These projects are among the outcomes of an educational process that aims not only to help children gain knowledge about environmental issues but also to enable them to identify problems, develop solutions, and turn their ideas into tangible projects.

The Festival Is Open to Visitors

The festival, which will take place in Xanthi on October 7–8, will not be limited to the official project delegations from the four countries. Visitors interested in the environment, sustainability, science, and E-STEM activities will also be able to attend the event.

Visitors wishing to attend the festival outside the official project delegations will need to arrange their own transportation, accommodation, and other travel arrangements.

Throughout the festival, visitors will be able to explore projects developed by students from the four countries, attend student presentations, and learn more about the international activities carried out as part of the ecosySTEM project.

STUDENTS, PARENTS, EDUCATORS, AND ALL INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS ARE INVITED TO THE FESTIVAL!