Connecting Children with Nature, Monument of Nature “Vevchani Springs”

Eko-svest has launched an exciting initiative to foster a connection between children and nature from an early age, through the creation of educational publications. As part of the “Support for Sustainable Management of the Monument of Nature Vevchani Springs” project, supported by Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), three new educational publications have been developed. These publications are specifically designed to encourage outdoor learning and exploration, using the natural beauty and diversity of the Monument of Nature “Vevchani Springs” as a foundation.

The publications cater to different age groups, including pre-school, lower primary, and upper primary levels. Each guide offers practical tools and ideas to help teachers and parents introduce children to the natural world in a hands-on, engaging way. By exploring their surroundings, students are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature.

The first publications, “Monument of Nature Vevchani Springs” – Experimental Field for Young Scientists,” is designed for teachers working with upper primary school students. It provides detailed instructions on how to conduct nature-based activities that blend education with outdoor exploration, turning the natural environment into a living laboratory for scientific discovery. This approach helps foster critical thinking and observational skills while encouraging students to actively engage with the environment around them.

The second publication, “Monument of Nature Vevchani Springs” – Playground for Young Researchers,” is tailored for teachers of younger, lower primary students. It focuses on simple yet enriching activities that introduce fundamental concepts of ecology, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. The guide aims to make learning in nature both fun and educational, allowing children to understand complex ecological concepts through direct interaction with their environment.

For the youngest learners, the third publication, “Monument of Nature Vevchani Springs” – Nature in the Eyes of Children,” is aimed at kindergarten teachers. This guide focuses on sensory activities that nurture curiosity and wonder in young children. Through nature walks, games, and interactive exercises, young children are encouraged to explore the world around them and begin forming a lifelong connection with the natural environment.

These educational publications can be applied across multiple contexts. In schools, the publications can be integrated into the regular curriculum to enrich classroom learning with nature-based examples and activities. Teachers can also use them for organising outdoor lessons, field trips, or “science days” in nature, allowing students to put theoretical knowledge into practice. Eco-clubs can use these guides to promote environmental consciousness and action among students, encouraging sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources. Additionally, parents can adapt the publications for use at home, making nature-based learning a family activity that strengthens bonds and deepens connections with the community and environment.

Each publications covers a range of important topics, including the diversity of local flora and fauna, the importance of protecting natural habitats, and methods for observing and researching the natural world. Children are encouraged to explore and understand their natural surroundings, developing skills in scientific observation, data collection, and critical thinking. Simple experiments and practical activities help bring these lessons to life, offering students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in a tangible way.

It is important to note that “Vevchani Springs” is the first protected area in North Macedonia with an educational program of this kind, making it a pioneering site for nature-based learning in the country.

These educational publications were created and published as part of the project “Support for Sustainable Management of the Monument of Nature Vevchani Springs”, implemented by Eko-svest and funded by Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust – PONT.