The T. C. "Ilha Afortunada, Ilha da Esperança" will take place from 14th to the 22nd of September 2014 in Câmara de Lobos, in the island of Madeira, Portugal. The overall theme of the training course is to ensure youth workers knowledge on the greatest social, economical and environmental benefits for future generations through informal and non-formal learning about sustainable management and development of natural resources and about preservation and restoration of the natural heritage. The name of the project reflects both the theme of the project as well as the venue.Context/Background:We can see that although many of us live in an urban society with modern technology, we are depending on the earth's natural systems just as much as our ancestors used to. The development of many countries based on forced, irrational, pollution generating and exploitation of natural resources industry as well as intensive agriculture based on chemicals proved to be unsustainable over time. The positive effects were on the short-term and on the long term they became inhibitor factors for the development. Through such actions affecting biodiversity, was drastically reduced the stability of national economies and nature, and were thus affected the interests of future generations. In the actual context where many countries including some members of the E.U. are facing economic problems, the human actions on nature becomes a hot topic. Madeira through its rapid economic and demographic development in the past decades offers a good example of changes due to human activity. The problems that Madeira inhabitants face are general problems that can be found also in the countries participating to this project. Objectives: - Introduction and understanding of the forest ecosystem and the acknowledgement of the social, economic and environmental benefits of the forest and natural heritage; - Raising awareness on the role of forests in combating climate changing and the preserving of the ecological values through practical activities; - To introduce the participants to the topic of poverty and social exclusion with focus on youth empowerment; - To improve the awareness on the topic and to analyze the various situations in the different countries; - Experience exchange by organizing a thematic trip and meetings with local people and authorities; - Disseminate information about the project and pass forward accurate information about the forest and its role in human development; - To meet experts on the topics related to the socio-economics and environment and to learn how we can face and surpass the challenges of our times and how to achieve sustainability for the sake of future generations; - Sharing different understandings of evaluation and define the final concept; - Exploring different approaches to project's evaluation on the international level; - Enable participants (in terms of strategy and methods) to run the effective evaluation process which is the integral dimension of international projects. - Produce strong partnerships and great tools for creative non formal education, in order to be beneficial for all the parties involved.The participants will come from 7 partner countries, 3 participants each. The target group of the participants will be composed by youth-workers and youth leaders that work or get in contact with young people and have the ability to implement the knowledge and skills they will gain during the activities.For the foreseen activities in this training course, the team of trainers thought of a mix of methods, there will be put in practice: creative presentations, ice breaking games, energizers, workshops, brainstorming, working in smaller groups, group discussions, thematic field trips, case studies and evaluations. A big focus is put on practicing and exercising and on getting feedback at all levels. Our project is about tackling the biggest crisis that is hitting our planet, that of sick environment that needs to heal although is under the effect of economical and social actions. Many of these actions have a great impact over the environment and with this project we will list this actions and create awareness amongst our communities. The issues that we approach in this project are a concern for the entire European continent and not just one or two countries.The potential long term benefits: - Having trained youth workers who are informed and aware of the global dimension of youth work;- Having youth workers with a deeper knowledge on current environmental issues and sustainability able to transmit this knowledge to their communities- target groups will become more responsible for their daily actions and life style. - decision makers at the local level in the partner countries will be encouraged to support activities and initiatives related to environment protection.