Biodiversity is the variety of species inhabiting the Earth (animals, plants, fungi, algae, bacteria, viruses, etc.). in other words, biodiversity can be seen all around us and we are a part of it. Biodiversity is difficult to quantify because there are many microscopic organisms and species that live hidden or simply not yet discovered. Approximately 1.9 million species of living beings have been registered in the world, but this is only the icing on the cake. The study of biodiversity also includes observing its changes in space and time.
So, the other day, an interesting educational excursion along the banks of the Uzh River was held for a member of the TRENCSY, with the aim of getting acquainted with the species biodiversity of the flora and fauna of the bank zone of the Uzh River in the Bozdoshsky Park and drawing attention to its preservation. During the excursion, young nature lovers observed plants and animals and got acquainted with the rules of behavior in nature. The main task was to photograph and identify the most common plants and animals of this region, to carry out their morphological description. What young nature lovers did perfectly!
Moreover, the young people learned about the important role of riparian plants in the river. We got acquainted with representatives of medicinal plants, many of which were found on the bank, and discussed their properties, and peculiarities of the structure of flowers, fruits, and leaves. They saw several types of plantains, dead-nettles, medick, acacias, walnut, and many other species. Also interesting for the residents of the city was blueweed, the existence, and properties which the children did not know before.
Walking along the embankment of the park, they came across a fallen common ash tree and made the conclusion that it was the result of a strong wind. Since the territory of the park belongs to the conservation fund, it is forbidden to cut fallen and dry trees. At the same time, the tree is now a shelter for many species of animals. The young guards were friendly and diligent in cleaning a small area of garbage, took many photos, and then took part in the drawing of prizes for the best photos of nature.
The conclusion of the excursion was a discussion of the question: “What can I do to preserve biodiversity?” After all, it’s known that the preservation of biological diversity involves the protection of individual species, their groups within a certain territory, and ecosystems as a whole together with their habitat. Protecting biodiversity requires the participation of all people on Earth. In this way, the children outlined that each of us can help at our own level, and at the same time, it’s not necessary to radically change our lifestyle. To do this, you need to do a few simple things every day: eat local and seasonal products, save water, switch to more energy-saving technologies, turn domestic waste into compost, walk more instead of using cars, and refuse to buy unnecessary and disposable things, learn more about those types of animals and plants that surround us.
The event was held as part of the cooperation of the Transcarpathian Regional Ecological and Naturalistic Center for Students Youth (TRENCSY) with the Interreligious and environmental civil forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF) (head by Alexander Bokotey) with the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU Bundesverband NABU International ), project coordinators Ivan Tymofeiev (NABU), Nataliya Kulya (IRCEF).
Oksana Kremin, Head of the organizational and mass work Department in TRENCSY
