Promoting nature education as efficient mean of awareness raising

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The main objective of the project is to unite ideas, capacity and tools for improvement of nature education situation and so awareness of the society on sustainable development and integrated nature conservation in the project region of territories of Estonia, Latvia and Russia. During the project it is foreseen to create cooperation network between public and non-governmental organisations in Estonia, Latvia and Russia, promote exchange of experience between partners and target groups, raise capacity of 14 nature education centres, elaborate advanced environmental education methods, train target groups to secure spreading out ideas of sustainable development of a long term basis, inform general public about importance of integrated nature conservation that takes into account needs of people but at the same time secures conservation of nature values and functions necessary for secure and sustainable existence of society. The idea of cooperation project has been developing over several years through contacts and cooperation among part of partners. Some of the project partners from Latvia and Estonia have been working in cross-border projects already for several years and have come to conclusion that cross-border cooperation provides very effective problem solutions for regions and activate considerable growth of involved partner organisations. Besides it promotes various contacts among target groups, promote attractiveness of regions, attract investments, provide working places and influence positively self-confidence of society. During these projects they also got to know partners from Russia that resulted in an idea to develop a new common project in order to promote sustainable development in all three countries. All partners are significant stakeholders in their regions concerning nature education, conservation and promotion of sustainable development. During the project it is planned to implement various activities adjusted to various target groups that would not just provide knowledge about nature, its values and functions, but also to add personal emotional attitude and in this way promote more nature friendly behaviour in daily life. The planned activities are diverse, aimed to reach as wide part of society as possible, like development of nature education centres, create new interactive exhibitions, innovative education materials, training and seminars for young people, teachers, representatives of municipalities, journalists, etc. Activities will be carried out in all three partner countries, mainly in border regions, both in rural and city environment. Activities will be accessible to wide part of society without any exceptions. The results of the project will be more aware society of several Estonia, Latvia and Russia regions that would result in cleaner environment, saved nature values, more healthy and active people.

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