Immersing in Nature: Building Strength and Knowledge in Komariv and Kelmentsi of Chernivtsi region

Teachers and schoolchildren kick-started the school year in the villages of Komariv and Kelmentsi, located in Chernivtsi region, with an energizing dose of nature through therapeutic and eco-educational events organized by the experts at NGO ForestCom.

On August 31, we embarked on a nature therapy walk titled "Learning in Nature: Unity and Conservation." Then, on September 2-3, we held the "Suslyk_CAMP 2023" Environmental School.

The interpretation of the wilderness, a method applied during our visits to natural landscapes, played a significant role. Practitioner experts and nature researchers generously shared their knowledge and skills, with particular focus on human impact on ecosystems as well as the preservation and restoration of natural complexes.

Volodymyr Yarotsky, a ForestCom expert in eco-education, biodiversity conservation, and study guided participants to explore the surrounding natural environment consciously, utilizing their senses of sight, smell, hearing, and touch. By observing the wild nature, identifying tracks, and gaining new knowledge about the properties and lives of animals and plants, participants, with the assistance of our expert, formed integrated connections between themselves and nature.

Engaging in informal communication beyond the confines of the classroom under the forest canopy enriched relationships between children, as well as between children and teachers.

Considering the significant time our children spend with teachers in school, it is crucial to care for the psychoemotional well-being of educators. Especially now, during times of war, when family members of teachers are often on the frontlines. A teacher should remain resilient and offer support to children when needed, rather than burdening them with stress, as unfortunately happens sometimes. While it is unlikely that rural teachers have access to psychotherapeutic assistance, healing and restoration through nature therapy are readily available to them. This is why it's essential to organize nature therapy events aimed at introducing and teaching educators healing and restoration techniques.

We express our gratitude to Khotyn National Nature Park and the "Mys Komariv" Eco-Station for their cooperation and participation in organizing these events.

Forests are not only sources of material resources but also places for healing, restoration, and acquiring new experiences and knowledge.

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming eco-educational and nature therapy events!

These events are organized by NGO ForestCom as part of the eco-educational activities of the project "Combating Illegal Logging in Ukraine," with the support of the International Programs Office of the U.S. Forest Service.