As part of the Pelican Way of Life initiative, an educational campaign is being implemented by Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) in Messolonghi, Greece, aiming at raising awareness among students about the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. The campaign comprises three main components, including school visits, online meetings, and field visits, all designed to engage students actively in learning about environmental issues and conservation efforts.
The first phase of the campaign involved visiting two secondary schools in Messolonghi, namely the 1st High School and the Art High School. During these visits, students were introduced to the Dalmatian Pelican, the threats its facing, and the actions taken by the HOS in the region to protect the species. Local NGO representatives also provided insights into the wetland ecosystem of Messolonghi, emphasizing the importance of coexistence and sustainability. Additionally, students participated in case study activities focusing on specific threats to the environment, followed by presentations of their findings.
In addition to secondary schools, the campaign involved the 1st Primary School of Messolonghi, located adjacent to the wetland. Here, students engaged in birdwatching activities and participated in craft classes, creating pelican masks to further solidify their understanding of the species and its habitat. In total, more than 200 school pupils actively participated in these educational initiatives.
“The school visits will be followed by an online meeting, where students will continue their exploration of environmental threats and prepare scripts for vlog-style videos addressing these issues. These videos will serve as a platform for students to creatively express their understanding of environmental challenges and propose potential solutions. We hope that this innovative activity, supplementing the traditional approach, will help to engage students in conservation,” says Lila Deroungeri, Environmental Education Projects Officer at HOS.
Finally, the campaign will culminate in a field visit to the Messolonghi lagoon on 20-21 of March, where students will have the opportunity to observe wildlife through binoculars and telescopes, capturing footage for their vlogs. Subsequent editing sessions will allow students to refine their videos, with the possibility of additional online meetings provided to assist with the editing process.
The educational campaign in Messolonghi is successfully engaging students in environmental education, fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts and empowering them to become advocates for environmental sustainability. By integrating these activities with various school subjects and encouraging the use of English subtitles, the initiative also promotes interdisciplinary learning and language skills development among students. Through such initiatives, communities can work together to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and ensure a sustainable future for all.
