Foundation Conservation Carpathia’s initiatives in the field of education

For the protection and conservation of nature to become a long-term reality a change of attitude is needed. At Foundation Conservation Carpathia we develop educational initiatives that involve young people and children from local communities and help them to realise the importance of biodiversity. Our education projects are designed to inspire young people, motivate them to get involved in conservation, and help them to learn with their minds and hearts, in the midst of nature.

We could not run these projects without the support of partners who share our mission. We work with schools and teachers in the Făgăraș Mountains area and across the country, as well as in partnerships with other environmental and educational organisations, and the experiences we share help us to design programmes that are not only effective but also attractive.

Junior Ranger

Launched in 2023 by Foundation Conservation Carpathia, the Junior Ranger programme aims to stimulate interest in nature conservation among children and young people.

Those who join the programme learn through direct field experience, while experiencing the work of the rangers from the Foundation’s mentors. The programme aims to develop a long-term care and passion for nature, which are essential attitudes for preserving the country’s natural values.

The programme consists of two phases:

1. Five-day initiation camp
2. The ongoing programme consists of regular activities including: biology workshops, tree planting, mentoring programmes with the Foundation’s rangers and themed field trips, such as one to a national park in Romania.

Registration for the 2025 edition begins in May.

Adopt a corner of nature

The ‘Adopt a corner of nature’ competition invites students from the Făgăraș Mountains area to get involved in nature conservation by exploring and promoting the natural values close to where they live.

What do those who enter the competition have to do?

• Identify and nominate a special place in their community
• Propose concrete conservation actions and then implement them
• Promote that place both offline and online

The most deserving participants will go on an exchange to the Bavarian Forest National Park in Germany, where they will have the opportunity to learn about best practice in nature conservation.

Registration for the 2025 edition runs from 1st March till 30th March.

Nature in the Classroom Caravan

The ‘Nature in the Classroom’ project brings environmental education directly into classrooms around the Făgăraș Mountains. What does it involve?

• Interactive activities on nature conservation themes
• Conversations that encourage pupils to discuss and think critically about environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the reintroduction of missing species
• Active involvement of pupils in conservation action through a project competition
• A deeper understanding of nature and its importance in order to protect it

Students who develop nature projects that have an impact in their community have the opportunity to win a weekend camp organised at the Richita Nature Exploration and Activity Centre.

The Nature in the Classroom 2025 Caravan runs from February till May.

Educational programmes at Richita Nature Exploration and Activity Centre

Here, children are encouraged to become independent and curious, exploring the local flora and fauna and learning about the importance of nature conservation. The centre’s activities are wide-ranging: from workshops to forest hikes.

Each activity contains elements that:

• cultivate a deep connection with nature in participants
• develop long-term nature conservation skills
• promote everyday practices designed to maintain personal and environmental health
• inspire attention and interest

The educational programmes at the Nature Exploration and Activity Centre run throughout the year.

Carpathia Scholarships

The Carpathia Scholarships support pupils passionate about nature from Țara Făgărașului. The initiative, developed by Foundation Conservation Carpathia together with the Community Foundation Țara Făgărașului, offers scholarships for high-achieving pupils who have an affinity for natural sciences. The programme includes participation in camps at the Richita Nature Exploration and Activity Centre and a personal development mentoring program.

In this way, we support the education of young people and help them expand their knowledge on biodiversity conservation. Students are chosen through rigorous selection and scholarships are awarded annually.

Registration for the 2025 edition runs from October till November.

GET IN TOUCH

Would you like to talk about an education project for nature and communities?

Ioana Duică

Education Specialist

educatie@carpathia.org