Nature is an incredible world of all living things, that are plants and animals. We often mention ‘nature’ and ‘the protection of nature’ in conversations and thoughts.
Everyone thinks that the word “nature” evokes only pleasant associations and memories: meadows filled with wildflowers, birches, clean streams and lakes, birds singing in the forests. After all, everyone has been told about nature protection since childhood! Therefore, no one doubts that nature must be protected and loved.
Every child understands that nature is our common home and gives us life. Moreover, we must give it life instead of garbage, use its resources wisely, and pay attention to all living things, even if they are plants, animals, or the smallest insects, all parts of Creation in general.
The ecological value of forests cannot be overestimated: they are called the “lungs” of the earth because they moisturize the air and soften the climate, so forests are important for climate regulation. We should not forget that forests are shelters and homes for a large number of plants and animals, and for certain species, it is the only suitable habitat.
Therefore, each of us must always remember that and be grateful. So, let’s protect nature – everyone should do their best. We have to care about nature for the next generations. It would be great that they are able to see and appreciate this incomparable beauty of nature.
Today’s event was timed and prepared by eco-trainers of the Institute of Ecological and Religious Studies led by Alla Samoylova for young national minorities, namely Roma schoolchildren from Uzhhorod Gymnasium #14 in Shakhtynskyj Forest (Botanical Garden of Uzhhorod National University). The purpose of the training was to enrich knowledge about the forest, to develop children’s cognitive activity, the ability to use knowledge and cultivate their love for the nature of their homeland, and of course the preservation of forests from pollution and garbage in particular. The training included a set of games, starting with a discussion of nature conservation and rules on how to behave in the forest, and interesting exercises that showed how much we trust each other, especially teamwork. Next, children had the opportunity to show their imagination and creativity – to create their natural palette of autumn colors and draw pictures, using only the gifts of the forest. After that, the children discussed the forest dwellers and played the moving game “Owl-mouse”. At the end of the lesson, the children talked about their impressions and emotions.
The initiative took place within the project “Churches and public organizations together for environmental education in national parks”, implemented by the Institute for Environmental and Religious Studies (IERS) headed by Alexander Bokotey in cooperation with the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU Bundesverband, NABU International) and supported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and project manager Ivan Tymofeiev.
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