The educational program “Carbon Farming Schools 2025” has been successfully completed, implemented by Open Farm and DEH, which contributed, for the 3rd consecutive year, to strengthening experiential education for students on regenerative agriculture, healthy nutrition, and environmental awareness.
DEH actively supports the transition to a more sustainable model of production and consumption, contributing to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting actions with positive environmental and social impact in areas where it develops productive activities.
DEH and Open Farm promote sustainable agriculture to students: Carbon Farming Schools 2025 completed
The program was implemented during the period of September – November 2025 in twelve school units, six in Western Macedonia, four in Megalopolis, and two special schools in Attica. More than 740 students of all grades participated in the activities, as well as over 85 educators, through informational events and open activities in school communities.
Within the framework of “Carbon Farming Schools 2025,” twelve model school gardens were created, which function as living laboratories for learning and environmental action. Through the program, “Food Forests” were developed, utilizing an innovative agroforestry approach that mimics the structure of a natural forest with the goal of sustainable food production while maintaining zero environmental footprint. Students became familiar with agroecological practices that contribute to carbon sequestration in soil, such as mulching with straw, leaves and compost, creating worm farms for composting organic waste, as well as applying the hugelkultur technique (hill gardens), a sustainable gardening method with raised beds made from organic matter, which enhances soil fertility, retains moisture and functions as a natural self-watering system, mimicking forest ecosystem processes.
In total, more than 5,000 plants were planted, including 160 trees and 4,500 seasonal vegetables, while 18,000 liters of compost were used to improve soil through applying a circular economy model in practice. Additionally, over 1,600 square meters were covered with straw, contributing to soil health protection and natural CO2 sequestration. These interventions enhance biodiversity and contribute to carbon dioxide sequestration from the atmosphere.
Since 2023
From 2023 to today, through the “Carbon Farming Schools” program, an extensive network of 27 school gardens has been created across the country, highlighting the dynamism and sustainability of the initiative, as well as the steadfast commitment of DEH and Open Farm to environmental education of the new generation.
Special emphasis was placed on Western Macedonia and Megalopolis, where a significant part of the program’s activities was implemented. Students participated in experiential activities, learned modern regenerative agriculture practices, and developed green skills while cultivating environmental consciousness and responsible consumer behaviors. In the special schools of Attica, the school gardens were also utilized as therapeutic educational tools, enhancing motor skills and team collaboration through experiential learning.
Participation certificates were awarded to all schools, while a technical school garden manual was distributed to educators and parents to ensure continuity of the action and proper garden care.
