Latvia Organiza el Concurso para Escuelas "Mi Pequeña Excursion"In the framework of EU INTERREG IVC project „FUTUREforest” the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia in co-operation with Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava" organizes competition for schools „My Little Hike”. The competition participants’ task is to study relevant information sources on climate change, its processes and influence on the environment and economy as well as forest sector capability to mitigate climate changes and go to the nature - experiencing "little hike". The aim of the competition is to encourage children and youth gain awareness and knowledge about climate change processes in Latvia and globally, as well as gain understanding of forest sector contribution to climate change mitigation.Latvia Organizes Competition „My Little Hike”
On 19th of February, 2010 the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia in co-operation with Latvian State Forest Research Institute „Silava” in the framework of EU INTERREG IVC Project „FUTURE forest” organized a seminar for teachers „Forest Management in the Context of Climate Change”. The seminar was recognized and drew high interest - more than 100 participants took part in the event.
During the seminar 8 presentation on different climate change aspects were provided by researchers of Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava", State Forest Service expert and a representative of Association „Zalas majas” (Green house). From the Ministry Ilze Silamikele provided presentation on the “FUTUREforest” project and Mara Mikule on the contest „My little hike”. All the presentations are available on web site: http://www.zm.gov.lv/?sadala=1793
Forest sector in Latvia already several years has devoted substantial work for children and youth different activities. Competition „My little hike” has almost become a movement, encouraging children and youth go to the nature, learn about forest sector enterprises and prepare a study work.
During the year 2010 the competition has been continued in the framework of EU INTERREG IVC project „FUTUREforest” in co-operation with Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava". The aim of the competition „My little hike 2010” is to encourage children and youth gain awareness and knowledge about climate change processes in Latvia and globally, as well as gain understanding of forest sector contribution to climate change mitigation. The competition participants’ task is to study relevant information sources on climate change, its processes and influence on the environment and economy as well as forest sector capability to mitigate climate changes.
The participants went for an educational hike or trip in order to get acquainted with climate change processes and mitigation activities in Latvia. After that they prepared a creative study work, supplementing their description with stories that local people can tell concerning how different climate change aspects become apparent in a local district or in Latvia during the last 40 years, and also add visual information (drawings, maps, photos etc.).
For the competition in total 77 works from groups of children had been submitted from all regions of Latvia. The best works were chosen in 4 age categories. The works were valuated by popular people in society, forest sector governmental institution representatives and public organizations, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture.
A famous Latvian writer Mr.E.Hanbergs became the competition’s valuation commission chairman. He emphasized that he is happy to see that initiated ideas of poet Mr.I.Ziedonis continues to live: children and youth by being in nature learn about forest sector enterprises and every time gain new knowledge, positive emotions and unexpected revealing.
In the awarding event of the competition held on 28th of May more than 400 laureates participated and were welcomed by Minister of Agriculture Mr.J.Duklavs.
In September, 2010 for winners of the competition will be organized an educational trip during which scientists of Latvian State Forest Research Institute „Silava” will explain correlation of climate change aspects and forestry.
Further information:
Mara Mikule
Forest Department
Forest Strategy Division
Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia
Project “FUTUREforest” administrator in Latvia
Tel: 67027553
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