Athens, April 2, 2024 – MedINA’s new project “Let it Flow!” has dynamically begun its actions in Konitsa, with key allies the students and the teachers from the high schools of the wider area! Focusing on environmental education, based on a role-playing game, the project aims to empower and engage students and the educational community in the integrated protection of the Aoos river basin.
The initiative started in mid-March within the school environment – at the Middle School and the two High Schools of Konitsa – with references to the special features of the Aoos river basin, its rich biodiversity and ecological value, and the challenges associated with its protection. At the same time, it was realised that Konitsa is part of a broader network stretching from the Balkans to the Arctic Circle, the European Green Belt.
The next action, accompanied by the schools’ teachers, involved familiarising with the Role-Playing Game (RPG), which is the heart of “Let it Flow!”. During the meeting, the components of the game were revealed, questions were raised, and a creative feedback dialogue was launched. The RPG will create the right context for students to step into the shoes of stakeholders, explore and negotiate the future of the Aoos River, while recognising the value of science and creative dialogue.
The rest of the project is expected to be just as exciting! With educational field trips to the Sarantaporos riverbed, students will learn about the characteristics of the river ecosystem, the identity of the river, its values and functions, as well as observe/record any human interventions in the river.
Maintaining the free flow of the Aoos River and its tributaries, as a transboundary ecological corridor, is vital for the environment, nature and local community development. With information and participatory prevention and response planning as our allies, we can hope for a better future for ourselves and future generations!
The project “Let it Flow!” is implemented by MedINA in collaboration with the Environmental Education Centre (KPE) of Konitsa and is funded by the European Green Belt through the BESTbelt project with EuroNatur as lead partner, with the financial support of the European Union.