How to talk to children about nature conservation in a way that makes complex environmental topics understandable, interesting, and relatable? One of these methods is nature therapy through play, creativity, and live communication with animal images.

This is the format that Leonid Pokrytyuk, an IRCEF expert and ornithologist with many years of experience in rehabilitating birds of prey, used during a meeting with schoolchildren in Berehove. This time, the owl Sypukha, the main character of a special set of toys for the eco-theater, became a kind of guide to the world of birds.

Through theatrical play, children learned about the peculiarities of owl life, the importance of birds of prey in nature, and the need for their protection. What is difficult to explain in words alone became more accessible through image, movement, and interaction with a toy. Children could not just listen, but also emotionally engage with the story and better feel the connection with wildlife.

This approach is also important as a tool of nature therapy. Contact with natural images, observation of animals, play and creativity help children switch, reduce emotional stress and restore internal balance. And positive emotions from interaction with nature can be the first step towards the desire to protect it.

For Leonid Pokrytyuk, who has been working with wild birds and is engaged in their rehabilitation for many years, such a meeting is also an opportunity to pass on to children not only knowledge, but also his own attitude towards the living world: attentive, caring and responsible.

The event was held within the framework of the partnership of the Interreligious and environmental civil forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) with the Commission on Ecology of the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Diocese and the nature conservation units of the Churches, with the support of the Archdiocese of Bamberg (Erzbistum Bamberg).

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