Paddle for the Earth

Paddle for the Earth is a 24-month Erasmus+ Sport project that promotes sustainable kayaking and canoeing practices while raising awareness of climate change and its impact on outdoor sports and the environment. By combining eco-friendly approaches with the benefits of physical activity, the project encourages healthy, active lifestyles for people of all ages and backgrounds. The overall objective is to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive society, where sport not only strengthens communities but also protects the natural environment.

The activities of the Paddle for the Earth project combined education, action, and inclusion to advance sustainability in water sports. Partners delivered workshops and seminars on eco-friendly practices such as waste reduction, water protection, and sustainable transport, while regular river and lake clean-ups were carried out in cooperation with local organizations, giving participants a direct role in safeguarding natural habitats.

In addition, eco-friendly competitions highlighted how sport can be both enjoyable and sustainable, and a range of educational resources - including brochures, online materials, and practical guidelines - were created to share knowledge and inspire kayaking and canoeing clubs across Europe to adopt greener practices.

Throughout its two-year journey, Paddle for the Earth held five international partner meetings, each contributing to sustainability, inclusion, and knowledge-sharing:

Kick-Off Meeting – Zagreb, Croatia (December 2023)
Partners launched the project, defined goals, and set up collaboration tools, establishing a clear roadmap for sustainable paddling activities.
Inclusion & Sustainability Workshop – Kalje, Croatia (March 2024)
Held in the Caritas Retreat House, this meeting focused on inclusion of underserved groups, with workshops, hiking, and reflections on nature and community.
Sustainability on the Soča River – Bovec, Slovenia (September 2024)
Participants engaged in kayaking, sports activities with children, and an educational session on eco-friendly outdoor practices, highlighting the role of water sports in environmental education.
Partners Gathering – Budapest, Hungary (May 2025)
A two-day event combined a sustainability workshop with a dragon boat clean-up on the Danube, blending sport, environmental action, and intercultural exchange.
Final Meeting – Zagreb, Croatia (September 2025)
Partners reviewed achievements, shared lessons learned, and finalized outputs such as the Guidelines for Sustainable Kayaking and Canoeing Practices, ensuring the project’s long-term impact.

Project Partners

Budapest Association for International Sports (BAIS) (Hungary)
Caritas of the Archdiocese of Zagreb (Croatia)
Kajakaško društvo Brkati som (KDBS) (Slovenia)
Kajak Kanu Klub Mladost (Croatia)

Project Resources

Find out more at the official website: www.paddle4earth.eu

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