Description
The project addresses the need to protect the ecosystems and biodiversity in Kyustendil Municipality. The project aims at raising the awareness and involving young people to discover the protection areas on their own. First, the protection areas in Kyustendil region will be promoted among the students from the local primary and secondary schools via photos and documentaries. Second, 80 children and young people will be trained in the appropriate behaviour in protection areas. Third, 120 children/young people will take part in 6 animal and plant watching trips. Finally, the school students from 5th-7th and 8th-10th grade will compete in the Green Direct Line competition. The project will benefit the children and young people involved, their peers, parents, teachers and the local community in general. The partners will contribute with their expertise.
Summary of project results
The project was dictated by the main advantages and opportunities of Kyustendil Municipality. Some of the protected areas in the region such as Osogovo Mountain, Zemen Gorge and Polska Skakavitsa Waterfall have been well studied while others such as Yuch Bunar, Tsarna Reka Reserve, Century-old Beech Forest near the village of Granitsa, Konyavska Planina, have been under-studied and are not that popular among the local community. That is why the project aimed at provoking the explorer’s interest in children and young people in these unique territories and making them understand their importance and purpose by involving them in protection of biodiversity in the eco-systems and the natural processes taking place there. The project activities were related to delivering classes to pupils and students three schools in the town about protection of biodiversity and endangered species in the region and creating conditions for sustainable development. An online platform was created where related materials were posted; thematic seminars and outdoor trips were held; 5 places were signposted with data about endangered species and the Green Direct Line competition between schools with its rules and vision was created. The implemented activities helped achieve sustainable change of the attitude and understanding in children of the value of protected areas, the flora and fauna and ways to protect them. The sustainability of the project is ensured by its outputs: 1. Developed partnership network with the 3 partner schools, i.e. Hristo Botev 5th Primary School, Ivan Vazov Primary School, Emanuil Ivanov Science and Mathematics Secondary School. The partners will continue to work jointly on other programmes and projects for environment protection and sustainable development, continue to support and update together the online platform and use the materials collected under the project about the protected areas for follow-up training of pupils and young people, the public, pensioners’ clubs as well as for tourist trips organized by Osogovo Tourism Company. The Green Direct Line competition will become an annual competition included in the Green Week in the period 5th – 12th June.
Summary of bilateral results