Description
The project is focused on integrating knowledge about climate change into environmental education at the school and the implementation of water retention measures in the school area. The objective of the project is to increase public environmental awareness and knowledge connected with environment and climate change.The project is expected to increase the awareness by elaboration and propagation of the curriculum dealing with rainwater management in connection to climate change, and by publishing the information on the Internet for public access. It is expected that the implementation of the project will create environmental curriculum dealing with the management of rain water, a rain garden with special trees and plants for keeping the water quality and evaporation, pond for water retention, improving the microclimate in the area, and the set up of a website for informing the public and for the feedback. Children, students and civil services are expected to benefit from the project implementation.
Summary of project results
We applied for an open call of the Goverment Office of the Slovak Republic in 2013 in order to revitalize our site and implement the project "Rain Garden - a place for inspiration, knowledge, activities and relax" as the part of the program "Adaptation to Climate Change - Prevention of Floods and Drought".Our rain garden has mainly a cognitive-educational function. The lessons are attractive and interesting for pupils. It is also suitable for the work activities of pupils as well as for the relax of children in the school club. Our goal was to revitalize the part of the school ground, to eliminate the flow of rainwater into the sewer, increase the share of green, improve microclimate, promote biodiversity, create space for recreational purposes.We have implemented the rain garden and the retention lake to eliminate drainage of rainwater into the sewer. Rain water from 25% of the school ground is not drained into the sewer.We have created the Curriculum with the inclusion of adaptation to climate changes, flood prevention and drought as a part of the education of Biology, Science, Environmental studies, etc. We purchased a camera system, rainwater containers and the composting plant from our own financial sources.A number of events for pupils and the public were carried out, such as: Water and Wetland Training Program - 9th Year, Excursion to Water Severage Plant in Nová Bystrica or Horný Hričov, workshop fot 1st grade pupils, Opening Conference and Final Project Conference, Climate Exhibition.Public was informed by the website, via posters, leaflets, radio interview with Regina Ban Radio. Bystrica or articles published in the local press (Mini Zlaté stránky, Žilinské noviny,Žilinský Večerník). The school actively co-operated with non-governmental and non-profit organizations: OZ Hájik deti, Nature Protection School in Varín, Nová Bystrica Water Severage Plant, Horny Hričov Wastewater Treatment Plant, CEZ Friends of the Earth - CEPA.
Summary of bilateral results