When: 27th September - 2nd October 2010

Where: Zatwarnica, Bieszczady Mountains, Poland

Who: OA PTTK with the support of Youth and Environment Europe

Project description

"Forest - Welcome Home" was a TC organised by OA PTTK and YEE in Bieszczady National Park in south-eastern Poland. 25 participants (youth workers, trainers, facilitators, volunteers from environmental organisations) from countries throughout Europe, such as Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain, UK, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland participated in educational workshops aiming to train and exchange knowledge and practice on working with children and youth on the topic of the forest ecosystem. The project was orientated on learning about forest education methodologies and educational tools for making projetcs and activities. It was focused on promoting high-quality youth events and training in the field of environmental education connected especially with the forest.

There was a lot of interaction between participants and constant exchanges of knowledge and experience were taking place as all participants were experienced in this field. During workshops and activities, participants were trained in topics including environmental education, forest biodiversity, sensory forest experiences, sustainable mountain hut management, as well as creative methods of exploring and getting to know forest ecosystem.

Furthermore, special emphasis was put on looking at the forest from a cultural perspective (personal experiences related to forests and stories regarding their heritage and customs). There was as well space for workshops regarding project management and open spaces to develop new ideas for further projects and creativity in the work with youth. Overall, the aim of this project was to show participants how to teach children and youth about the importance of the forest habitat, as well as how to protect it, feel comfortable in it, and take responsibility for what occurs there.

Participating organisations

• OA PTTK (Poland)
• Youth and Environment Europe (Czech Republic)
• Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation (Bulgaria)
• Environmental and Cultural Organization Oro Verde (Spain)
• Associacao Portuguesa de Educacao Ambiental (ASPEA) (Portugal)
• Asociatia Ecouri Verzi (Romania)
• Organizacao para a Promocao Ecoclubes (Portugal)
• Student’s Club for Environmental Protection (SCEP) (Bulgaria)
• Look East Wild Earth (U.K.)
• Ja visapkart (Latvia)

Financial support

The project was funded by Youth in Action Programme, the European Commission.

Photogalleries

TC 'Forest - Welcome Home' photogallery