After being inspired by the stunning natural landscapes they encountered during past eco-educational trips, the 7th-grade students of Turye-Remety Secondary School decided to organize a photography contest showcasing the beauty of nature. The students, assisted by Biology teacher Orysia Krechko, got started on this creative endeavor to get a better knowledge of ecosystems and the complex interactions between animals and their habitats. The schoolyard, bustling with various ecosystems, offered the ideal setting for students to closely observe nature and explore its characteristics and variety. Among the natural elements that captivated their attention, coniferous trees stood out as the most prominent, being not only abundant in the schoolyard but also retaining their lush greenery throughout the winter months.
Mrs. Krechko highlighted the stress-relieving and invigorating benefits of walking in coniferous forests, emphasizing how it promotes physical well-being, enhances lung function, and improves overall breathing. The students go out on their photography trip, equipped with a cell phone and binoculars, trying different perspectives and compositions to capture the spirit of the natural environment. In addition to developing their focus and framing photo techniques, they also learned how to create compositions with natural elements to improve the images’ visual impact. This innovative tour, blending creativity with friendly competition, nurtured in the students a profound appreciation for the beauty and perfection inherent in nature. It sparked their curiosity to explore and comprehend the natural world, nurturing a sense of environmental responsibility and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources. The outdoor experience not only enriched their knowledge but also strengthened their physical well-being, leaving them happy and healthy as they returned to their school, filled with new insights and appreciation for the wonders of nature.
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).
Orysia Krechko, biology teacher at Turye-Remety Secondary School and IRCEF expert
