The natural beauty of our homeland is abundant and unique, showcasing a rich diversity that must be cherished and protected. It is critical to instill a genuine appreciation for our land and a sense of responsibility for its flora and wildlife in children from an early age. Exploration and comprehension of the natural treasures of the native country are important to this mission. An engaging lesson was held to take children into the captivating world of nature and enhance their understanding of the Transcarpathian region’s nature, as well as expose them to the flora and animals mentioned in the Red Book.
Olha Velychkanych, an expert of the IERS, enlightened the children about the natural treasures of Transcarpathia, including its high mountains adorned with unique beech primeval forests and meadows, high mountain lakes, streams, and diverse flora and fauna. As inhabitants of this remarkable land, it is essential for us not only to appreciate and marvel at its beauty but also to actively study and protect nature as a manifestation of God’s Creation. The teacher highlighted humanity’s historical tendency to exploit nature as a resource, often leading to detrimental consequences like air, soil, and water pollution that endanger the lives of animals and plants. However, she emphasized that we possess the ability to reverse this trend and protect nature for future generations. The children were able to identify the region’s flora and fauna in need of protection, understand their ecological features, and share captivating insights with their classmates using educational materials such as Red Book Animals and Plants didactic cards and illustrated encyclopedias, as well as lessons and informative wildlife videos about Ukraine.
The young nature enthusiasts imagined themselves as forest residents like as bears, owls, hares, and wolves while exploring the enthralling world of Carpathian forests. They conveyed the challenges that the animals encounter as a result of human activity through imaginative storytelling and urged people to protect Transcarpathia’s natural beauty by refraining from detrimental behaviors such as deforestation and environmental pollution. In a playful manner, the children rehearsed nature etiquette, coloring prohibition signs, and selecting appropriate behaviors for spring forest visits. They also reinforced their understanding of animal diets by creating “Who Eats What” game cards. As the game journey through the Carpathian area came to an end, the participants realized the significance of acknowledging their responsibility towards God’s Creation and the necessity to take care of Nature! They committed to prioritizing environmental responsibility, practicing responsible resource management, and advocating for the protection of the living world.
The event was held within the framework of cooperation between the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) headed by Olexander Bokotey) and the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU Bundesverband, NABU International), project coordinators Ivan Tymofeiev (NABU), and Nataliya Kulya (IRCEF).
Olha Velychkanych,
Head of the Biology Department, Transcarpathian Regional Center for Children and Youth Creativity “PADIUN” and IRCEF expert
