The ecological talk on the bees (Apidae Family) conducted by IERS expert Oksana Kremin at the Uzhhorod Greek Catholic private lyceum “TheoBand” became a captivating study for the students, aiming to highlight the significance of carpenter bees in the ecosystem and to instill a sense of responsibility towards protecting these beneficial insects. Throughout the session, the children delved into the crucial role of carpenter bees, their ecological importance, and their impact on crop production. They learned interesting things about bees from a multimedia presentation. The bees choose dead trees like roof beams, sheds, and wood storage to build their nests. Carpenter bees use their strong jaws to create long, round passages in the wood, making a distinct sound that can be heard several meters away from their upcoming nests.
In the workbook “Secrets of Church Towers,” colorful images helped children learn more about how insects look and act. The bee is known for being a great pollinator, often seen gathering nectar from blooming fruit trees, white acacia, willow, and other plants in the spring. The students were drawn to the conservation status of bees, listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, acknowledging the decline in their population due to the diminishing availability of nesting sites. The students effectively solidified their recently acquired knowledge by participating in workbook activities, like guiding the bee through mazes to reach flowers and reviewing important insect traits. Moreover, coming across a variety of beetles, some of which were rare and required protection in their natural habitat, brought great joy to the children. They took advantage of this chance to observe and compare the different life stages of insects, following their transformation from larvae to adults.
The discussion inspired the youngsters to think about issues related to the environment, such as biodiversity conservation and the need to protect nature. They left with a renewed commitment to promoting a more conscious approach to environmental responsibility, bolstered by new insights and determination.
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).
Oksana Kremin,
Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection at PADIUN and IRCEF expert
