Subterranean biodiversity is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of ecological diversity, primarily due to its inaccessibility for conventional observation. The hidden world beneath our feet teems with a diverse array of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, worms, insects, and numerous other species that have evolved to thrive in the unique conditions of the subterranean environment. During an engaging eco-educational event, young naturalists of the PADIUN, under the guidance of their supervisor Oksana Kremin, an expert of IRCEF, delved deeper into the fascinating realm of subterranean biodiversity. The students gained valuable insights into how the subterranean ecosystem plays a pivotal role in ecosystem conservation by influencing soil quality, water circulation, nutrient availability for plants, and overall ecological balance. Enthusiastically, the children immersed themselves in scientific literature showcasing the illustrated inhabitants of the Carpathian forests, vividly depicted on the pages as if they were alive. They also had the opportunity to explore collections of diverse beetle species and encountered rare exhibits that underscored the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these unique organisms in their natural habitats.
They discovered that every species, no matter how insignificant or unattractive it may seem, plays a crucial role in the natural environment. The loss of any species can have detrimental effects on other organisms and overall ecosystems. During their discussion, the young ecologists acknowledged that the subterranean ecosystem is often subject to pollution and degradation due to human activities such as deforestation, soil contamination, and other human-made impacts. These activities can harm the environment, leading to a decrease in biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
The children demonstrated their knowledge of natural science by actively participating in quiz questions, completing missing words in the text, and identifying animals within the same habitat. The eco-event served as an opportunity to raise awareness among youth about their responsibility in conserving subterranean biodiversity. This may include promoting sustainable resource usage, participating in environmental cleanup efforts, and supporting the restoration and preservation of forests and other natural environments.
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
