Wetlands cover a small percentage of the earth’s surface, yet they are essential systems – they are the arteries and veins of the landscape. They are rich in nature and vital to human life. They act as water sources and purifiers. They protect our shores. They are the planet’s greatest natural carbon stores. They are crucial to agriculture and fisheries. A world without wetlands is a world without water.
On February 9, 2018 Via Pontica Foundation, in partnership with the Municipality of Burgas, held an event dedicated to the World Wetlands Day under the title “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future” (2018 theme), which took place in the atrium of Bourgas Free University with the courtesy of his academic leadership.
The event was attended by more than 60 students from the 5th, 6th, 11th and 12th grades of SU “Konstantin Petkanov” – Bourgas, which were organized and prepared by Mrs. Darinka Ivanova, director of the school, as well as by teachers of different schools subjects.
The event was attended by representatives of the partner, Burgas Municipality, in the person of Deputy Mayor, Mrs. Ruska Boyadjieva and Regional Mayors; Deputy Governor of the District, Prof. Sevdalina Tourmanova, Prof. Galia Hristozova – Rector of BSU, representatives of the Academic Management of the University, experts from RIEW, NAFA and others.
Prof. Hristozova and Prof.Termanova gave greetings to the participants.
During the event, an essay contest, a mascot selection contest for the protected area “Burgas Lake” was organized, as well as a mini-training dedicated to urban wetlands and their contribution to sustainable urban development.
The participants in the mini-training were divided into seven groups, each working on a different interactive art task:
Group 1. Billboard Project: “Professions of the Future – Green Jobs”
Group 2. Project of “Eco-Building of the Future” – group drawing, collage – three-dimensional
Group 3. Wetlands Birds and Animals Project: art equipment “Fairy World of Wetland Plants and Animals”
Group 4. “Time machine” Project – Wet Energy Machine – paper sculpture
Group 5. Mandala Project: “The Green Wet Planet of the Future” – model badge on World
Wetlands Day Group 6. Project: Design of Garment: “Modern Fashion Clothing – Wetlands Defender”
Group 7. Draft Text for Song “Wetlands – Why Keep Them”
Finally, Via Pontica Foundation distributed awards, as well as vouchers from the Helicon Bookstore, to the authors of the award-winning essays and mascot projects, and for the innovative projects the children received group awards.