Joint students' initiatives from cross-border regions addressing nature protection in Strandja Mountain

Project code:CB005.1.12.082
Project call:CB005.1
Priority axis / Specific objective:1.2. Improving the capacity for nature protection, sustainable use and management of common natural resources through cooperation initiatives in the cross-border area
Type of project:Soft
Project duration in months:15
Project final contract amount:116114.11 €
Project EU co-financing rate:85.00 %
Project start date:21.03.2017
Project end date:20.06.2018
Project intervention field:085 Protection and enhancement of biodiversity, nature protection and green infrastructure
Project summary:

The project aims to increase the awareness of students, parents and teachers in Bourgas (Bulgaria) and Suloglu (Turkey) for nature protection by sustainable using and management of common natural resources through implementation of joint interactive and educational activities.

Within the project it is envisaged creation of clubs of interests as an interactive and practical tool for improving the capacity in nature protection and sustainable use and management of natural resources of students from both schools. It will be also organized students eco academy and eco tours for students and parents from the cross-border region and creation of joint website for cooperation and sharing best practices and results from the trainings in nature protection and using of natural resources.

During the project implmentation it will be conducted eco photo contest and exhibition of items created by natural crafts. Information campaigns about sustainable using and management of natural resources and nature protection are envisaged from both sides of the border. For the needs of the project both schools will deliver equipment for eco training laboratories.

The implementation of the project will contribute to increasing the level of environmental protection in the cross-border region through formation of “green” conscience among students, which will encourage their motivation to put into practice the acquired skills and experience in the field of nature conservation.

Project status: Finished

The project partners have implemented the activities according to the schedule.

The main idea of the project was to elaborate an educational programme for clubs of interests in the partnering schools. In the preparatory phase, common problems were identified in both schools which were later addressed with the project. The objective of the project was to improve the capacity of students, parents and teachers in Bourgas and Suloglu in the field of nature protection and sustainable use and management of common natural resources through joint interactive educational and motivational activities.

In implementation of the project the educational programme for clubs of interests “School Eco Academy”, successfully elaborated by experts in the field of education and nature protection with the constant support of the school authorities and teachers, was implemented during the school year. Four clubs were established in each school with participants from 4th and 5th grade in Vasil Levski Primary School, Bulgaria and 4th grade in Suloglu Primary School, Turkey. Various methods were used in the trainings as: games, prize competitions, quizzes, picking up litter in the school yard, walks in the nature, collages with natural materials, etc. Parents also took part in some of the indoor and outdoor trainings. Interactive trainings were implemented due to the IT equipment delivered – interactive boards, laptops, tablets, video and photo camera. Eco training laboratories were equipped in both schools where students did experiments, tested the samples taken during the eco trips, had practical trainings, etc. One-day eco tours were organized for students and parents to different locations in Strandja mountain, including visit to working solar/wind system, in order to observe the plants and animals in their natural habitats. Students were given nature awareness through theory, observation and practical experience in accordance with the Programme.

Informational campaigns were organized in both countries, including press conferences, Trainers’ Open Days, Eco Photo Contest, which showed photos and objects, made during the trainings, as well as the results from the implementation of the programme. These campaigns raised the awareness of the interested parties on how students and parents can be motivated to enhance their knowledge and improve their capacity in nature protection and sustainable use and management of natural resources, as well as the efficiency of the elaborated programme. Due to the interest, it was after disseminated  to few other schools that are going to implement it.

Project website:

www.ecoclub-bgtr.eu

Project materials:

The promotional materials are available HERE.

Project Brochures are available HERE.

Products from the project:

The Project Logo is available HERE.

Programme with thematic curriculum guide (in Bulgarian and Turkish) is available HERE.

Teachers' handbook (in Bulgarian and Turkish) is available HERE.

Exercise notebook for students (in Bulgarian and Turkish) is available HERE.

 

Partners

Leading partner
“Vassil Levski“ Primary School of Bourgas, Bulgaria
PP2
Suloglu Primary School
PP3
Suloglu District Governorship