Youth from both banks of Nistru learn to protect the environment
70 young people from both banks of the Nistru river, including Ukraine, decided to leave their gadgets at home and spend the most arid part of their summer vacation by learning how to protect the environment at the “Nistru 2024” summer school.
This year’s edition was organized from 5 to 14 July , in the village of Molovata Noua, Dubăsari district by the association “Eco-TIRAS”, with the support of Sweden and UNDP Moldova.
For ten days, the participants, aged between 15 and 20, enjoyed a program of environmental education with trainers and renowned experts, creative workshops in fine arts, photography, journalism, civic activism and leadership. They also took part in various intellectual games, simulated public debates, field trips on the Nistru, as well as expeditions to the historical and natural monuments of Rașcov and Orheiul Vechi.
The school that educates care for nature
The summer school aims to connect young people from all regions of the country to an environmental education platform, to train them in communication skills and civic engagement in local environmental projects, so that in the future they will be able to make decisions, apply the law, work in teams, and become leaders.
”The project is now in its 16th edition and we are delighted that it is so loved by the participants. There are young people coming for the third time already and each time they are thrilled by what they learn new, but also kids we meet for the first time.
This time again we have organized many interesting and interactive activities — nature expeditions, creative master-classes, simulations of media events, intellectual games, in order to make the program to everyone’s liking,” said Tatiana Sineaeva, the director of the summer school.
The summer school has been organized since 2008 and has so far brought together more than 1000 young people from both banks of the Nistru, including Ukraine.
They care about the environment because want a better and healthier future
Ten days of camp in the heart of nature provided them with the knowledge and fun equal to a school year. Each day started with theoretical sessions on the Nistru River ecosystem, environmental protection and adaptation to climate change, creative workshops in environmental journalism, photography, film-making, civic activism and leadership.
They learned to protect nature and use environmental resources responsibly for a better and healthier future. They learned to think critically and speak so as to be heard, they simulated public debates and press conferences, put their leadership skills to the test, competed in intellectual competitions and made lifelong friendships.
For those 70 boys and girls from both banks of the Nistru who attended the summer school, this vacation was full of unforgettable memories and emotions.
Maria Bodiu, a student at “Alexei Mateevici” Theoretical High School in Șoldănești, believes that such summer camps are a great opportunity for young nature enthusiasts to gain new knowledge and skills.
“I can say with certainty that these ten days have not been spent in vain, but have had a strong impact on our training. The mentors and experts involved in the theoretical sessions helped us become a dignified generation, always ready to protect our nature and the environment.
The knowledge gained at this school is invaluable, as the love for nature is gradually cultivated. I learned a lot about the optimal functioning of ecosystems, including the factors that contribute to favorable living conditions. We learned that cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova is essential for the future of the Nistru River.
I had the pleasure of making new friendships and connections with people from both sides of the Nistru River, including Ukraine. I experienced unforgettable moments with my new friends and picked up new ideas that can be successfully implemented in the future,” says the participant.
Vlad Beșleaga is a third-year student at the Center of Excellence in Medicine and Pharmacy “Raisa Pacalo” in Chișinău. He wants to become a doctor, so for him this camp is also a unique opportunity to learn more about the impact of the environment on human health.
“At the summer school I learned to get involved in activities related to environmental protection and natural resource management. I learned about the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems, especially those of the Nistru River and their ecological importance. We discussed strategies and methods of conservation of endangered species and habitats,” says Vlad.
Egor Iudaev is originally from the village of Cuciurgan, Ukraine. Two years ago, he and his family took refuge in the village of Pervomaisk on the left bank of the Nistru. Recently, his mother saw the announcement about the summer school on social media and encouraged him to apply. As he has been passionate about nature and Nistru since he was little, he decided to participate in the essay contest and was accepted to the camp.
“Now I live on the other side of the Cuciurgan Liman, in Pervomaisk. Ever since childhood I used to go fishing and took an interest in all the problems I saw with my own eyes. That is why I was very interested in the opportunity to learn more about the Nistru, which I have also studied here.
At the summer school I was most impressed by the people, our trainers, the incredible experts, who shared their knowledge with us and really captivated me,” says Egor.
And to make the most of their experience, the young people also had two field trips to the famous heritage monuments of Orheiul Vechi and the village of Rașcov, Camenca district. Under the guidance of trainers, they explored spectacular landscapes and geological formations which are unique in the region. They also learned many interesting facts, such as that not so long ago in the 60s and 70s geologists were finding blocks of ice in the caves of Rașcov in the middle of summer, and that the 18th century synagogue is one of the 20 most beautiful edifices in Europe. Two years ago, the synagogue and the Christian church were preserved with the support of UNDP Moldova and the European Union.
The 2024 edition of the summer school was organized with the financial support of Sweden, granted through the UNDP Moldova project “Supporting the authorities of the Republic of Moldova in the sustainable management of the Nistru River”.
