Education for the sustainable development of UNESCO heritage in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina
The cross-border project “Education for the sustainable development of UNESCO heritage” aims to contribute to the realization of national goals in education for sustainable development. It seeks to achieve this through connecting young people and implementing an informal educational programme on sustainable development, environmental protection, natural and cultural resources and climate change for students and teachers in two educational institutions.
NGO Eco Center DELFIN from Kotor, Montenegro, implements the project in partnership with the Regional Development Agency for Herzegovina (REDAH) from Mostar and in cooperation with “Veljko Drobnjakovic” primary school from Risan and Third Elementary School Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, local governments of the Municipality of Kotor and the City of Mostar, and local public broadcasters from Kotor and Mostar supported the initiative.
The project is being implemented until 15 March 2021, for students and teachers in two educational institutions in the area of Kotor and Mostar municipality.
Among the participants were students and their teachers in non-formal educational activities enhancing their knowledge in various sectors of sustainable development, environmental protection, natural resources and climate change. These informal educational activities mainly accentuated the significance of the promotion of positive initiatives and behaviours, and raising awareness on the consequences of irresponsible behaviour towards the environment.
“Exceptional commitment of young students through the project, but also the openness of educational institutions and their engagement during the implementation of activities, leads us to the conclusion that the role of non-formal education is extremely important for acquiring knowledge and practical experience that is not available through regular education”, stressed the project coordinator Ljilja Radunovic, Eco Center Delfin.
The project underlines the importance of non-formal education in the field of information, education and promotion of the value of protected areas. In cooperation with the project teaching staff, an exciting action plan has been developed for the implementation of peer education. This is an interesting way to reach the younger generation and engage them with vital knowledge and experience on environmental protection including the significant part they contribute to its conservation.
Primary waste selection is an important component of environmental protection. As part of the project, the participating schools got involved in training on the importance and benefits primary waste. Providing the schools with the necessary equipment for primary waste selection was a nudge in the right direction of getting students acquainted with recycling of green waste, a critical exercise for managing waste.
By the end of the project, participants will conduct a tour of selected important natural and cultural areas and institutions in the region, during which young students will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the area in which they live and afterwards, share their experiences with their peers from other countries. In addition, in contributing actively to environmental protection, the students will plant indigenous plants in showing appreciation to nature and future generations, with the support of their parents and teachers.