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Croatian Mobility

    Croatian Mobility

    🇭🇷 Monday - 11.11. 2024
    The first day of the 'Never Refuse to Reuse' international workshop in Zagreb, Croatia began with a welcome event for our guests. The opening speech and welcome were given by prof. Ivandić and principal Horvat on behalf of II. Gymnasium, after which our students presented the traditions of various parts of Croatia through song and dance.
    Afterwards, the students participated in ice-breaking activities. Three activities were carried out with the goal of helping students get to know each other. Students were divided into five groups. In the first activity, students described their most prominent traits using picture cards. In the second activity, the task was to learn everyday expressions in the languages of the partner countries, and in the third activity, students demonstrated their creativity by making collages to present our project.
    The working part of the first day for the students was concluded with presenting local eco activities carried out in their own countries.
    At the end of the day, students, accompanied by teachers, visited the Zagreb Zoo. Meanwhile, the project coordinators held a meeting to discuss the progress of the project so far and agree on the next steps.
    The first day of the Croatian international workshop was a nice introduction into the upcoming busy week.
    The third day of the 'Never Refuse to Reuse' international workshop, the participants, accompanied by a professional guide, visited the Plitvice Lakes National Park located in the Lika - Senj County in Croatia.
    Plitvice Lakes National Park is a special geological and hydrogeological karst phenomenon. The Plitvice Lakes complex was declared a national park in 1949. It represents a wooded mountain region where there are 16 lakes of different sizes, filled with crystal blue-green water. The lakes get their water from numerous rivers and streams, and are connected to each other by cascades and waterfalls. Travertine barriers, which were created over a period of ten thousand years, are one of the fundamental features of the Park. The special geographical position and specific climatic features have contributed to the emergence of many natural phenomena and rich biological diversity. Spacious forest complexes, exceptional natural beauty of lakes and waterfalls, wealth of flora and fauna, mountain air, contrasts of autumn colors, forest paths and wooden bridges are part of an unrepeatable whole, which was also declared a world natural heritage by UNESCO in 1979.
    One of the goals of the visit was to highlight the Park as an example of sustainable development. There through the implementation of numerous sustainable practices (LED lighting, procurement of electric vehicles and boats, construction of wooden paths and wooden docks for boats, legal regulations related to the behavior of Park visitors...) preserved natural heritage and reduced the ecological footprint of the park.
    By visiting the National Park, the mobility participants were once again aware of the fact that man is not the unlimited master of nature and that he is an integral and inseparable part of it, and that as individuals and as a community we should behave in harmony with nature and thus contribute to the preservation of natural resources.
    Thursday, November 14th, 2024 (day 4 of the Croatian mobility)
    Students and teachers of the Erasmus project “Act Eco-locally to change into Eco-globally” participated in tree planting activity on the 4th day of Crotian mobility. The tree planting activity took place in Brezovica near Sisak with the participation of students and teachers, aiming to engage in environmental conservation and foster awareness about sustainable practices. This initiative focused on practical education and community involvement to highlight the importance of trees in preserving local ecosystems.
    The main objectives of the activity were to:
    Educate students on the role of trees in environmental health, including benefits to biodiversity, air quality, and soil preservation.
    Encourage a sense of responsibility toward environmental protection and active participation in community-driven conservation projects.
    Develop hands-on experience in planting and caring for young trees, including proper techniques and care requirements.
    Promote teamwork and collaboration among students as they worked together to plant a designated number of trees.
    The tree-planting session lasted for 3 hours. During this period, students were introduced to the importance of tree planting, given a demonstration on proper planting techniques, and then worked in small groups to plant trees under the guidance of organizers and local environmentalists (Šumoborci and their volunteers).
    Throughout the activity, students gained valuable knowledge and experience, which included:
    Practical Skills: Students learned proper tree planting techniques, including selecting planting spots, digging, and spacing trees to ensure healthy growth.
    Environmental Impact: They developed an understanding of how trees help prevent soil erosion, reduce air pollution, and enhance biodiversity by creating habitats for various species.
    Sustainability Awareness: By participating in the tree-planting process, students witnessed firsthand how small individual actions can contribute to larger environmental goals, fostering a sustainable mindset.
    Teamwork and Responsibility: Working together to achieve a common goal helped students build teamwork skills and understand the importance of shared responsibility in conservation efforts.
    The tree-planting event proved to be a rewarding and inspiring experience for all involved. Students felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in contributing to the local environment. Their efforts were met with appreciation from the community, and they were encouraged to continue their environmental involvement. Many expressed newfound enthusiasm for taking part in similar projects and a deeper connection to their local environment.
    Overall, the tree-planting activity in Brezovica near Sisak was a success. It not only achieved its goal of planting new trees to enrich the local landscape but also fostered environmental stewardship and sustainable practices among the students. The event was a meaningful step toward a greener future, with the hope that these young individuals will continue to advocate for and engage in ecological preservation initiatives.