Description
The project addresses the need of the applicant, Vlahi School of Nature Foundation, to build its capacity and be better recognized and placed in the region in order to promote environmental education. First, the applicant’s website will be updated to increase the number of online visits and on-site visits. Second, the premises of the Foundation will be renovated and a conference hall will be equipped. Third, about 100 volunteers will be involved in summer camps and weekends to help renovate the premises of the Foundation and to mark mountain hiking routes. Finally, a business plan for the development of the applicant will be developed and the applicant’s financial stability and sustainability parameters will be set. The project will benefit the students, volunteers and young people directly involved and will benefit indirectly the local community.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the need of the applicant, Vlahi School of Nature Foundation, to build its capacity and be better recognized and placed in the region in order to promote environmental education. The results of the project refer to the implementation of the activities regarding the website and the infrastructure improvement. Currently the website is well functioning and attractive, and it helps to reach all potential visitors. At the same time, the improved infrastructure provides suitable space for accommodation and hosting of seminars and educational workshops. The building can also be rented for various purposes – student educational camps and practices, NGO meetings, team-buildings, etc. Moreover, the successful implementation of the project has helped to expand the work related to the mission of the organization to provide environmental education and foster respect for nature. Till now, the educational programmes conducted in Vlahi School have been no more than one-day long; after the project they can last for few days. For 2015, the first summer eco-camps are already being planned for small groups of 10-12 kids. The target groups of the project were young people and volunteers. They were actively involved in the implementation of the project activities. As a result of the project, the number of friends of the Nature School increased and not only in Bulgaria, but also abroad. The main benefit for them has been that they learned more about sustainable development and experienced a way of living close to nature and respecting nature.
Summary of bilateral results