White Carpathians – white because of white limestone and Carpathians as they are part of the Carpathians mountain range – which stretches across central and Eastern Europe crossing Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.
Not everything can happen on Zoom: visits in the field and in-person discussions
This in-person meeting was crucial to see the effects of our actions, raise questions, and discuss different solutions. It was valuable, to gather the international project team and host the project Monitor. Visiting together project sites- this time in White Carpathians, induced important discussions. Visits in the field allow conservation projects to discuss things which do not come up in the conference room. The conference room, allowed the team to summarise ideas, which emerged thanks to the field visits.
Czech and Slovakian sites in White Carpathians- visited
We have visited all together many sites together in the Czech White Carpathians where the project is implemented. We were accompanied by different experts on the Parnassius apollo species during these visits. Thanks to that it was assured that selected sites in White Carpathians (both on the Czech and Slovak sides) are suitable for the species and that the planned management measures can create conditions for the species to live. Strengthening of cooperation with Slovak partners is important not only in the context of obtaining individuals for the breeding farm od Apollo in White Carpathians but also to share knowledge on how to best take care of the species. We were happy to visit and learn in detail about Slovak Apollo butterfly sites, by zoologist Dušan Šácha from the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic.
Common monitoring practice before Apollo Season 2023
For the past months, we were working intensively on creating a Monitoring Protocol to monitor the situation of the species and its habitat in the project sites and get ready for Apollo season 2023. To monitor the situation of Parnassius apollo and the impact of our project, we need to monitor and analyse a lot of different parameters. In aim to do that we combine different methods. Choosing the right set of methods, defining terms and adapting the methodology to the specificity of the terrain in different project sites- is crucial. This is essential, but not always obvious even an international team and great experts. Adapting the methodology to the territorial needs requires effort and time. Meeting in person in White Carpathians and Monitoring practice which took place in the field allowed us to gather information on adjustments needed in Czech sites.
Rajhrad School great example of effective environmental education
We also had a chance to watch young people during their class and educational activities and curricula implemented by the school with which our partners cooperate- Rajhrad School.
It was a great experience to watch those young people very engaged in the topic. This class together with the teacher used multiple educational techniques in their environmental class. All these techniques had a common base: engaging students together with the teacher in discussion, role play etc. It was learning- by doing approach put into practice. Also, curriculums for other age groups have been demonstrated during the meeting. Engaging with emotions in learning is a very effective learning approach and fun!
More learning by doing, and citizen science actions
We have discussed, as well our communication and educational aims for this year 2023, looking at our past experiences. Stay tuned for more learning by doing.
You can become part of our project by joining citizen science actions for Apollo!
Have a look at our get involved section on the website and follow us on social media!
Be ready for the 2023 Apollo season!
#followapollo and the efforts of our team! Combined skills in breeding, conservation of habitats, research, environmental education, and project management constitute a great combination for the success of our LIFE project
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