An intensive capacity-building workshop was held in Plovdiv, titled “Placemaking as a Tool for Climate Mitigation.” The event, a collaborative effort between BG Be Active (BGBA) and the IOA, brought together civil sector representatives and international active citizens fostering a rich, international exchange of best practices.

The workshop’s objective was to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively engage youth in placemaking projects that deliberately integrate a focus on climate mitigation.

From Theory to Action: The Place Game Method

The program was strategically designed to move from theoretical foundations to practical application. The morning session focused on defining placemaking as a practice and discussing the core concept of empowerment in the civil sector context.

In the afternoon, participants delved into the Place Game methodology—a key framework for community-led project development. This tool was presented with an added focus on evaluating the environmental performance of public spaces:

• Accessibility & Linkages: Do these spaces encourage walking, cycling, and reduced car usage?
• Comfort & Image: Do the spaces utilize green infrastructure (trees, plants) to provide shade and reduce the urban heat island effect?

In small groups, participants conducted a real-world assessment of four central locations in Plovdiv. This hands-on exercise allowed them to apply the Place Game and identify opportunities for intervention that could also contribute to climate mitigation.

Tangible Outcomes and Youth Vision

The workshop successfully achieved its goals, equipping civil sector representatives with a new skillset and a framework for future projects that intentionally integrate climate considerations.

• Enhanced Understanding: Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate youth voices and needs into projects that serve both community and climate goals.
• Practical Application: The Plovdiv exercise provided direct experience in using the Place Game as a diagnostic and project-planning tool, extending its use to assess public spaces as green infrastructure.

The culmination was the presentation of project concepts, which demonstrated the participants’ enhanced ability to move from observation to actionable ideas. A poster created by a young participant, with detailed suggestions for improving Bunardzhik Park, served as a powerful case study for how youth activation can lead to concrete models for placemaking and climate action, focusing on enhancing accessibility for non-motorized transport and preserving the natural beauty.