Education Festival in Slovakia

European Wilderness Society joint the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Festival in Slovakia. The ESD festival was a vibrant event promoting awareness and action for a sustainable future.

Held in Kosice from November 11-13, 2014, the festival brought together educators, researchers, teachers, students, and representatives from the NGO sector. It showcased innovative teaching methods, sustainability initiatives, and global challenges, inspiring participants to incorporate sustainability into education and empower future generations to tackle environmental, social, and economic issues responsibly.

Highlights of the Festival

The festival featured a dynamic program of workshops, panel discussions, and cultural performances. Attendees, including educators, researchers, and NGO representatives, explored key topics such as climate change, social equity, and innovative teaching methods. 

Interactive workshops provided hands-on learning, while panel discussions facilitated collaboration on sustainability challenges. Cultural performances celebrated diversity and emphasized the importance of community in promoting sustainable development. The event served as a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas and inspiring action toward a sustainable future.

Impact and Outcomes

The festival has a significant impact on shaping sustainability practices in education. It motivated participants to integrate ESD principles into curricula, develop innovative solutions, and address global challenges. Notable presentations included “Fostering Relationship with Nature and Strengthening Environmental Values in Students” by Doc. PhDr. Jan Činčera, Ph.D. (CZ), which focused on environmental awareness, and “Presenting the Carpathian ESD Expert Network” by Tamara Mitrofanenko and Elena Fischer (AT), highlighting regional collaboration. 

Other presentations, such as “Carpathian Wilderness” by Vlado Vančura from European Wilderness Society and “Central Mountains Interreg Central Europe Project” by Isidoro De Bortoli (ITA), showcased innovative approaches to preserving natural heritage. These sessions strengthened partnerships and motivated action toward a sustainable future.

Call to Action

The ESD Education Festival in Slovakia was a resounding success, uniting educators, students, and leaders to advance sustainability in education. It promoted collaboration, innovative ideas, and actionable strategies for addressing global challenges. Readers are encouraged to engage in similar initiatives, support sustainable practices, and incorporate ESD principles into their own communities or educational settings. 

European Wilderness Siciety´s contribution

Main focus of Vlado Vančura´s presentation was on the Carpathian Wilderness. Beside that, he also shared the varioty of European Wilderness Society´s projects and initiatives, which include educational component. Among them:

• LIFEApollo 2020
• LIFEstockProtect
• SMARTOUR: SMART Tourism Skills Initiative
• European Solidarity Corp volunteering programme
• Youth Green Conference
• Respect Nature (icluding educational video) and others.

Conclusion

Simple actions, such as creating eco-friendly projects or supporting local conservation efforts, can make a significant impact.