World Environment Day – “ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT”

Key Takeaways

Introduction

We are thrilled to share the resounding success of the “1st Environment Festival – ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT,” held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the scenic St. George’s Park in Trikala. Organized by the Primary Education Directorate of Trikala in celebration of World Environment Day 2024, this landmark event brought together 26 school communities and over 800 students, fostering a deep appreciation for our environment and sustainable practices.

The European Outdoor Education Hub is honoured to have been an integral part of this inaugural festival, joining an esteemed group of participants including university departments, local authorities, and community organizations. Our team, led by Dr. Aristea Kyriakou, presented outdoor environmental activities that are part of our year-round engagement with schools. These activities emphasize the importance of #OutdoorEducation in fostering environmental stewardship.

The Inaugural Event

The 1st Environment Festival was a monumental event, marking a significant step towards promoting environmental awareness among young learners. Held on June 5, 2024, at St. George’s Park in Trikala, the festival was organized by the Primary Education Directorate of Trikala to celebrate World Environment Day. The event saw the participation of 26 school communities and over 800 students, along with numerous university departments, local authorities, and community organizations.

The festival began with a symbolic tree planting of a “Holm Oak – white oak,” setting a meaningful tone for the day’s activities. The event was officially opened by Dr. Christos Trikalis, Director of Primary Education, with the presence of notable dignitaries such as Mr. Alexios Protosygkelos, the Minister of Development Mr. Konstantinos Skrekas, Deputy Regional Governor of Trikala Ms. Chrysa Ntinti, MP Ms. Katerina Papakosta, and several other distinguished guests.

Key Activities and Presentations

Tree Ceremony

The festival kicked off with a symbolic tree planting ceremony, where a “Holm Oak – white oak” was planted. This act not only signified our commitment to environmental conservation but also served as a hands-on learning experience for the students, teaching them the importance of trees in our ecosystem.

What we led

Our team, under the leadership of Dr. Aristea Kyriakou, conducted a series of outdoor environmental activities. These activities were designed to be interactive, experiential and educational, emphasizing the importance of outdoor education in fostering environmental stewardship. The students participated enthusiastically, gaining valuable insights into sustainable practices and ecological responsibility.

Notable Presentations

The festival also featured presentations from various university departments and community organizations. Each presentation highlighted different aspects of environmental education and sustainable living, providing a comprehensive learning experience for the attendees.

Participating Organizations

We were particularly pleased to collaborate with various educational institutions and local organizations, including:

• – The Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of the University of Thessaly
• – The Department of Dietetics & Nutrition of Trikala, University of Thessaly
• – The School of Permanent Non-Commissioned Officers of Trikala
• – The Trikala Police Directorate and Traffic Department
• – The Trikala Fire Service
• – The Trikala Municipal Police
• – The Trikala Forest Service
• – The Hellenic Red Cross
• – The Environmental Education Center of Pertouli – Trikala
• – The Kalambaka Woodcarving School

Their contributions significantly enriched the festival, providing diverse perspectives on environmental education and sustainable practices.

Impact on Students and Community

The festival had a profound impact on the students and the community. Over 800 students and numerous educators participated, engaging in hands-on learning experiences that emphasized the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. The activities and presentations helped foster a deeper understanding of ecological footprints and how small, mindful actions can lead to substantial environmental benefits.

The Role of Outdoor Education

Benefits of Outdoor Education for Young Learners

Outdoor education plays a crucial role in developing ecological consciousness among young learners. By taking education outside the traditional classroom setting, students can engage directly with nature, fostering a deeper connection to the environment and promoting sustainable behaviours. This experiential learning approach is vital for helping students understand complex ecological concepts.

Year-Round Programs and Initiatives

The European Outdoor Education Hub offers a range of year-round programs designed to integrate outdoor education into the regular curriculum. These programs provide students with interactive, hands-on learning experiences that highlight the significance of ecological footprints and sustainable living. Our outdoor classrooms provide an ideal setting for students to explore nature and learn about the environment.

Testimonials and Feedback

The feedback from the festival has been overwhelmingly positive. Here are some quotes from participants:

“The festival was a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about sustainability in a fun and engaging way.” – Teacher from Trikala Primary School

“I loved learning in various ways how we can help the environment. I want to do more to help our planet!” – Student Participant

Future Plans and Commitments

Festivals and Events

Building on the success of the 1st Environment Festival, we plan to organize more such events in the future. Our goal is to continue fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among students and the broader community.

Continued Collaboration

We remain committed to collaborating with schools, universities, and community organizations to promote outdoor education and sustainable living. By working together, we can make a significant impact on environmental awareness and action.

Commitment to Promoting Outdoor Education

The European Outdoor Education Hub reaffirms our commitment to promoting outdoor education and environmental awareness throughout the year. By integrating our innovative programs into the regular curriculum, we empower the next generation to make a positive impact on our planet.

Conclusion

The 1st Environment Festival in Trikala region – ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT was a resounding success, highlighting the critical role of outdoor education in fostering environmental stewardship among young learners. We commend the exceptional efforts of the students, educators, and organizers from the Primary Education Directorate of Trikala. Their dedication and enthusiasm were palpable, inspiring all participants to embrace the principles of sustainability and environmental care.

As we reflect on this memorable event, we are more committed than ever to promoting outdoor education and environmental awareness. Together, we can make strides towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Watch the Festival Highlights!

Watch the highlights of the 1st Environment Festival – ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

For more information about our programs and initiatives, please visit our website or contact us at info@euoutdoor.education.

With gratitude,
The ‪@euoutdoor.education‬ team 💚