Ecological education in administrations for protected areas

Project facts

Project promoter:
State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment
Project Number:
LT03-0002
Target groups
Researchers or scientists
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€1,072,000
Final project cost:
€1,043,387
From EEA Grants:
€ 886,879
The project is carried out in:
Lithuania

Description

Protected areas (including Natura 2000 sites) are central elements for the conservation of pristine nature areas and serve as a refuge for rare and endangered species and habitats. In most cases ecological education and the promotion of natural or cultural values of protected areas is carried out by the administrations of protected areas. Several administrations of protected areas have the capacity to organize ecological education using well developed programmes (methodologies), tool-kits and/or infrastructure, while there is need for further development of tools for nature schools in other regions. The project will promote ecological education in 22 protected areas through enhanced nature schools‘ activities, individual education programmes, awareness raising/lecturing, as well as trainings for specialists at protected areas administrations.

Summary of project results

The main task of the project “Development of ecological education in the directorates of protected areas” was to create tools for effective and proper information spread to the society about environmental protection, ecosystems and their functions. In order to achieve this two activities were implemented: - The formulation and publishing of 23 educational programs for the directorates of protected areas; - The purchase of required demonstrative and educational devices and tools necessary for strengthening the ecological education system. At the starting point of the project the practical trainings for the directorates of protected areas and employees of implementing organizations were held in Norway in order to customize this experience in educational programs and continue working with programs and training tools. The project partners – directorates of protected areas and the project operator actively participated in curriculum development process. Following the experience gained in Norway the trained specialists provided comments, suggestions for programs content and methods to curriculum developers. After the training in the Kingdom of Norway 23 educational programs for the directorates of protected areas were prepared (and extra 5 programs for a new project partners at the end of the project). Currently programs are printed and transmitted to the project partners. The educational programs were presented to directorates of protected areas and project’s promoter representatives. During events representatives shared their experiences gained conducting nature lessons and discussed published programs. The aim of these publications is not only to show the most important natural and cultural values, but also to teach to capture, explore, and learn through creative games and educational tools. Using these tools the staff of the directorates of protected areas will be able to organize the nature education activities for different age groups of visitors in a qualified, efficient, attractive and interesting way.

Summary of bilateral results