Description
The project addresses lack of sufficient public awareness about biodiversity and its loss. The project aims at raising public awareness through a series of environmentally oriented events involving young people and other inactive citizens. First, an information campaign to raise public awareness about protection of biodiversity and endangered species will be held. Second, Green Worlds Festival of non-commercial environmental movies will be organized. 15-minute movies will compete at the festival. Third, 49 people will take part in a workshop with open-air painting, photo-taking and visits to Natura 2000 protection areas (Arda Bridge, Madjarovo, Poda in Burgas). Fourth, football championships will be held in Haskovo to support endangered species. The project will benefit local communities, young people, the business, NGOs. The partners will support the project with their extensive experience in youth initiatives.
Summary of project results
The main and long-term goal of the project was to raise public awareness and motivation for environment protection through the organization of a series of environment-centered events and the creation of a favourable environment for them. The project increased the knowledge of the participants about local endangered species and enabled them to have a direct and indirect contact with them in their natural environment. In addition, a platform for sharing and dissemination of “green ideas” was set up, as added value for the development of a green culture and sensitivity to the problems of the surrounding environment. First, 6500 eco-cartoons related to environment protection and promotion of local endangered species were prepared, published and disseminated in 80 schools in Haskovo District. In addition, 15 information events were carried out in 11 of the municipalities in Haskovo District with the support from 15 volunteers. In the questionnaires filled in, half of the participants shared their interest in the protection of environment and endangered species before the project, while the other participants were not aware of this information previously and found it important and interesting. A two-day festival was held in the city of Haskovo and the non-commercial movie on an environmental theme called World in Green was presented. In addition, 12 young artists were presented. Volunteers, children, young people and the local community were attracted as an audience. A four-day seminar was held in the protected areas to promote volunteering supporting “green education” and the setting up of “Eco-patrols”. Outdoor painting and photo safari sessions were held in the wild. A drawing competition and a photo competition of local endangered species were organized. Conservation activities and an outdoor exhibition were organized. A football tournament in support of endangered species was organized with football fans for each team and an environmentally-oriented workshop. Local endangered species were promoted by being selected as mascots of the football teams. The project activities raised interest in the local branch of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds and the would-be volunteers and members of the organization. The partnership set up under the project, both between the organizations, and with the public institutions involved, will continue through the implementation of new projects and initiatives.
Summary of bilateral results