At "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, a novel concept has been implemented by creating the University Regional Research Consortium for Environmental Monitoring and Protection, to improve environmental monitoring and education applicability. The Eco-Consortium has implemented several projects which involved teachers, students, and specialists from different educational levels and expertise. During its activity, it has been proven that combining volunteering students' motivation and the experience of teaching staff with the support of professionals, in a joint Eco-Consortium, is a promising way of dealing with the challenges faced by applied environmental education, from global problems to local awareness.