Via Pontica Foundation, together with the Museum of Natural History of Burgas and the Alexander Georgiev – Kodjakafaliyata School, realized an еducational program Academy for Eco Detectives in order to celebrate the World Wetlands Day and raise awareness of their importance among the younger generation. The main message of this year’s World Wetlands Day is “Wetlands reduce the harmful effects of climate change.”
The event was attended by Mrs. Ruska Boyadzhieva, Deputy Mayor on European Policies and Environment of the city of Burgas and Dr. Georgi Mitev, Director of the Regional Directorate for Food Safety, Burgas.
Multimedia presentations and lectures acquainted the students with the environmental studies and climate change in the area of the Burgas wetlands with a dynamic approach the environmental studies and climate change in the Bourgas Wetlands area as well as the immense importance of wetlands for the life of the Earth. Participants learned interesting facts about wild plants, birds and animals, the water wealth and unique landmarks of the Black Sea region.
The experts have highlighted the importance of the vital functions of wetlands – reducing floods, providing drinking water, improving water quality, and tackling climate change.The frequency of natural disasters is increasing and most of them are related to water. Because of climate change, it is even expected to increase this negative trend in the future. At the same time, a large part of society, especially the younger generation, is not sufficiently aware of the role of wetlands and the extent to which they protect us. Wetlands are often seen as deserted terrains that must be utilized for various other uses. At the discretion of scientists, at least 64% of global wetlands have disappeared since 1990.
The opening lesson presented the measures taken by the Municipality of Burgas to support, preserve and promote the sustainable use of Burgas wetlands. It was emphasized that we can all help to reverse the loss of wetlands so that we continue to take advantage of the goods they give to nature and people.
In the next stage of the Academy, students took part in educational games on wetlands. They discussed issues related to key concepts and types of wetlands as well as wetlands in Bourgas and the region.
Integrating interactive games such as Mystery Box and Organic Solution was not only fun and developing social skills, but also a really great tool for encouraging creativity and critical thinking in solving current environmental challenges and cause a real brainstorm and race.
Captain Planet Eco Club students recognized the waterfowl in the museum and solved crossword puzzles with “letter soup”. Others found an explanation of puzzles related to nature and its conservation and watched an interesting museum presentation dedicated to Burgas wetlands. Laughter, jokes complemented the experience.
In line with the concept, all children received leaflets with wetland information and practical souvenirs such as market bags and aluminum water bottles.
Finally, they all came to the conclusion, that it was never too late to take responsibility for their own actions and solemnly promised they would no longer buy plastic water bottles, give up the plastic bags in the store and disconnect their chargers before leaving home – something tiny, but every day with care for nature. Just as she takes care of us, so do we take care of her. And now we have the solutions and we just need the will and the action.