Project: 101113557 — LIFE22-NAT-AT-LIFE RESTORE for MDD — LIFE-2022-SAP-NAT
This afternoon, 32 young rangers received certificates for successfully completing the Junior Ranger Camp programme, making Virovitica-Podravina and Osijek-Baranja counties home to 32 young rangers and future nature conservationists. The camp was organised as part of the project activities carried out by the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Parts of Nature and the Ecological Network of Virovitica Podravina County under the project Preserving and Restoring Floodplain Forest Habitats along the Mura-Drava-Danube Rivers (LIFE22-NAT-AT-LIFE RESTORE for MDD), abbreviated as LIFE RESTORE for MDD.
The certificates were presented by Tatjana Arnold-Sabo, Director of the Public Institution; Vladimir Ajhler, Chief Nature Warden; Karlo Fičko, Nature Warden I; Vladimir Juhaz, Expert Manager; Kristina Ojdanić, Senior Associate for Protected Natural Areas; and Karlo Biondić, Junior Senior Associate and Interpreter for Protected Natural Areas.
On the first day, the programme successfully completed by the young rangers included the distribution of equipment and the raising of the camp flag; an introduction to the exhibitions and facilities at the Visitor Centre The Drava Story; a presentation on the protected natural areas of Virovitica-Podravina County, the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve and the role of nature wardens; a cycling tour along the Drava River to discover the area's biodiversity; and a workshop organised in cooperation with the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS), covering safe behaviour in nature, outdoor survival skills, the use of search dogs to locate people in distress, and first aid. The programme also included a dragonfly-shaped pendant-making workshop in cooperation with the Unikat Creative Association from Virovitica, an evening presentation entitled Nocturnal Animals, and the installation of camera traps in the grounds of the Visitor Centre.
On the second day, the camp participants visited the Drava River area near Terezino Polje, where they learned about the river's biodiversity, the importance of its conservation, and the objectives and activities of the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project. They enjoyed a picnic and spent time with members of the Drava Terezino Polje Sport Fishing Association. The participants also visited the Križnica Visitor Centre. Part of the educational programme developed through the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project was delivered on the banks of the Drava River, and the day's field activities concluded with a visit to the House of Tea – Oasis of Peace Visitor Centre in Špišić Bukovica.
The second day's programme concluded at the Visitor Centre The Drava Story with a workshop entitled Fairies and Elves, Guardians of the Drava River, followed by face painting and an elf-themed party organised in cooperation with Ana Children's Play Centre from Virovitica.
The third day's programme began with a presentation entitled Poisons in Nature, followed by birdwatching and the collection of samples. The young rangers then examined and investigated the samples at the Visitor Centre's biodiversity research station, using magnifying glasses and microscopes. While these activities were taking place, nature wardens presented the camp participants with footage captured by the camera traps throughout the camp. The programme concluded with a quiz and fun games in the grounds of the Visitor Centre The Drava Story.
This project is co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
