Athens, October 3, 2024 – A full year of “Let it Flow!”! Twelve months of action dedicated to the protection and management of the Aoos River, awareness raising campaigns, and engaging activities came to a close with a wrap-up event last Tuesday, September 24, at the premises of the Environmental Education Centre of Konitsa. The event was attended by students and educators, and was honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Konitsa, Mr. Andreas Papaspyrou.
This innovative environmental education project brought the student and educational community of Konitsa closer to the transboundary Aoos River. Over 100 secondary school students participated, learning about the river’s unique characteristics, its rich biodiversity, and its critical ecological role as one of Europe’s last remaining free-flowing rivers. Additionally, they had the opportunity to explore the surrounding nature and gain insight into the river system of Sarantaporos, the largest tributary of the Aoos, as well as the distinctive thermo-steams at the Amarantos Thermal Baths.
Through an original and engaging Role-Playing Game, developed by MedINA specifically for the project, students had the opportunity to take on the roles of local stakeholders involved in the management and resolution of pressing issues concerning the Aoos River Basin. Dialogue, scientific data, and… the joy of play served as their primary tools.
During the event, Mr. Papaspyrou highlighted the broad educational benefits offered to students through the game, emphasizing their active role in the collective effort to protect the environment. He further underscored the importance of the Aoos River, commending the Ministry of Environment and Energy for its decision to designate part of the Aoos River Basin on the Greek side of the border as a Protected Natural Formation and Protected Landscape. “It is our shared duty to safeguard this remarkable river!”, he pointed out.
“Let it Flow!” has been an example of effective cooperation between the local community, educational institutions and students, highlighting the value of teamwork. Through the project, the students became familiar with the importance of protecting the environment, especially river systems, and their participation in the project activities had a positive impact on the local community.
“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.
