EN
From May 22–24, 2026, the second edition of the three-day educational workshops organized as part of the project “CARPATHIAN YOUTH FOR ECO SMART EDUCATION”. Biodiversity of the Bieszczady Mountains – Three-Day Educational Workshops for Children took place. The workshops were attended by children from Primary Schools No. 1, 2, and 10 in Jarosław, as well as students from a primary school in Łańcut. The trip was organized within the framework of the Youth4EcoEdu project, financed by the Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine Programme.
The aim of the workshops was to develop the participants’ ecological awareness, introduce them to the unique natural environment of the Bieszczady Mountains, and promote responsible attitudes toward the natural environment through field activities, nature observations, and active environmental education. The activities were carried out in the Bieszczady National Park and its immediate surroundings, enabling participants to experience the natural mountain environment firsthand and learn about the diverse ecosystems of the Carpathians.
The first day of the workshops was dedicated to participant integration and an introduction to issues related to the biodiversity of the region. The participants took part in educational activities, field workshops, and nature-based tasks that allowed them to learn about the characteristic species of plants and animals found in the Bieszczady Mountains. The activities were designed to develop ecological awareness and encourage children to actively explore the natural environment.
The second day of the workshops began with classes conducted by employees of the Bieszczady National Park. Participants learned about the principles of nature conservation, the importance of preserving biodiversity, and the specific characteristics of the Bieszczady ecosystems. Field workshops enabled the observation of natural habitats of plants and animals and expanded the participants’ knowledge about the functioning of protected areas. The highlight of the day was a mountain expedition to Tarnica (1,346 m above sea level) – the highest peak in the Polish Bieszczady Mountains. The hike allowed participants not only to admire the scenic values of the region, but also to gain practical experience related to safe movement on mountain trails, teamwork, and active outdoor recreation in nature.
The final day of the workshops was dedicated to improving participants’ orientation and navigation skills in the field. The participants worked with maps and compasses, learning the basics of navigation and applying their newly acquired knowledge during practical activities. The concluding element of the program was a mountain hike to Mount Mirki (707 m above sea level), which provided another opportunity to explore the nature of the Bieszczady Mountains while developing teamwork and independence.
The three-day workshops enabled participants to gain knowledge about nature through direct contact with the environment and practical field activities. The children developed ecological awareness, learned about the principles of environmental protection, and gained a sense of responsibility for the surrounding natural world. The trip confirmed that the Bieszczady Mountains are a unique space for modern ecological education, combining theory with hands-on experience and outdoor activities.
Project value: EUR 1,816,847.22
Funding: EUR 1,632,618.93
#EuropeanFunds
Fundraising Department
State University of Applied
Sciences in Jaroslaw
