We arranged an educational event for aspiring young naturalists called “Through the Pages of the Red Book of Ukraine” to foster an ecological culture, develop environmental consciousness, and involve youth in proactive environmental activities.

The educational session began with the children debating an important question: “What poses the greatest threat to wildlife and flora today?” Following this thought, the students were provided with an interesting multimedia presentation that expanded their comprehension of the Red Book. This scientific compilation lists endangered plants and animals, providing a more in-depth look at the richness of the natural world around us. The presentation also educated them about different people’s attitudes toward nature and its consequences, as well as the concepts of responsible responsibility for the environment.

Oksana Kremin, an expert at the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies, led a series of environmental-themed activities and games. The children avidly participated, answering questions, interpreting hidden words within word puzzles, and embarking on the path to find plants and animals listed in Ukraine’s Red Book.

The outcome was greatly enhanced abilities and competencies for a responsible attitude in the world around us. It instilled a sense of personal responsibility for environmental protection, fostered a culture of thoughtful behavior, strengthened the art of observation, fostered students’ eagerness to participate in environmental activities, and emphasized the realization that humanity is an integral part of the natural 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).

Oksana Kremin,
Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection at PADIUN and IERS expert