Sky-high schoolroom

Project completed

Forest educational institutions are a perfect means for developing environmental consciousness of future generations. The project supports educational institutions in participating in such programs which familiarize children with protected areas such as Natura 2000. Thanks to the project, at least 12’600 children shall have the possibility to participate in such a program.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Hungary
Protecting the environment
Biodiversity
Biodiversity
01.04.2012 - 31.12.2016
CHF  1’345’238

Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.

Background

Forest kindergartens and schools have a long history in Hungary and were very popular in the nineties when governmental support was provided for educational institutions for financing their participation in forest schools / kindergartens programs. Due to financial reasons, this support has decreased lately – despite a huge demand. A recent governmental call (ending in December 2009) financed the infrastructural background of certified forest schools and kindergartens. However, participation in forest schools/kindergarten programs was not supported and is nowadays mostly to be covered by parents and thus restricted to wealthier families.

 

 

Objectives

The goal is to strengthen the environmental consciousness of children and pupils. For this purpose, environmental education with close-to-nature experiences is strengthened resulting in an increased awareness of Natura 2000 areas.

Target groups
  • Forest schools and kindergartens
    Educational institutions (kindergarten, schools)
  • Children, pupils
  • Parents, relatives
Activities

Forest schools and kindergartens receive professional assistance (e.g. workshops, consultancy services) to improve their educational programs. Public educational institutions and their pupils especially from disadvantaged areas are financially supported to participate in such nature conservation related programs. These activities are complemented by a nationwide awareness raising campaign on Natura 2000.

Results

Achieved results:  

  • Around 38'800 children increased their knowledge about Natura 2000 sites as consequence of the project
  • 10’000 children/ pupils participated in the newly developed educational programs
  • 860 institutions use the educational materials elaborated in the course of the project
  • 10 workshops and trainings took place to integrate the Natura 2000 related education into the programme at forest kindergartens and schools


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Swiss Contribution to the enlarged EU
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign state institution
  • National State Institute North


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’345’238 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’142’587
Project phases

Phase 1 01.04.2012 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)