Green Hike: A Day in Nature at Tibi Reservoir

On 26 September, Cultura Creativa and Paloma Europea, a local association from Elche, organised a Green Hike around Tibi Reservoir as part of the World Environmental Week, one of the initiatives of the Youth Green Compass project. The activity invited participants to spend a day in nature, meet new people and do something good for the environment along the way.

The main objective was to promote environmental awareness through direct contact with nature and to encourage responsible behaviour towards natural areas. The hike also aimed to raise awareness of the impact of litter on natural environments and to promote outdoor activities as a way of connecting with and appreciating the local surroundings.

A Walk with a Mission

The route took participants around Tibi Reservoir, a site of great historical value. Its dam was completed in 1594, during the reign of Philip II, and is one of the oldest in Europe still in operation. Today, it is protected as a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural).

The group followed a circular route around the reservoir for approximately four hours, enjoying the landscape while keeping an eye out for litter and other waste along the way. Participants came prepared with gloves and bags, with the aim of collecting any rubbish they found and leaving the route cleaner than it was before.

The walk also offered a chance to explore a nearby natural environment and to reflect on the importance of keeping these spaces clean and protected. Spending time outdoors reminded everyone that caring for nature starts with getting to know it and appreciating it.

Building Local Connections

The Green Hike was organised together with Paloma Europea, strengthening cooperation with another local organisation through a shared environmental activity. Collaborations like this help bring environmental topics closer to young people through practical and engaging experiences, while creating new connections within the local community.

Youth Green Compass is a project co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.