Kako zaštititi prirodu i uključiti građane u znanstvena istraživanja? Odgovor na to pitanje dobili su učenici srednjih škola iz Gruda i Čapljine koji su sudjelovali na edukativnoj radionici građanske znanosti (Citizen Science Workshop) održanoj u sklopu projekta SE4HuBlE, financiranog kroz program REINFORCING (Horizon Europe).
Organizatori, Centar za investicije i razvoj poduzetništva (CIRP) i STEMWise d.o.o., okupili su dvadesetak entuzijastičnih učenika s ciljem da ih educiraju o važnosti praćenja biološke raznolikosti i aktivnog sudjelovanja u zaštiti okoliša.
Učenici su, uz vodstvo stručnjaka, naučili tehnike praćenja bioraznolikosti, sudjelovali u terenskim aktivnostima te kroz interaktivna predavanja dobili uvid u načela otvorenog i odgovornog istraživanja i inovacija (ORRI načela).
“Posebno smo se fokusirali na invazivne vrste riba Parka prirode Hutovo blato te im pokazali kako se radi monitoring. Učenici su imali prilike pecati ribe, vagati ih, mjeriti te sve to zapisivati u radne materijale, što je posebno važno za njihov daljnji razvoj i učenje jer interaktivnost u ovakvim radionicama je izrazito važna. Bilo im je jako zanimljivo”, kazala je dr. sc. Irena Rozić, ravnateljica Parka prirode Hutovo blato.
Dr. sc. Adrijana Planinić naglasila je važnost građanske znanosti za očuvanje prirode:
"Broj znanstvenika koji se bave bioraznolikošću nije dostatan u odnosu na stvarne potrebe, stoga je ključno uključiti lokalnu zajednicu u istraživanja i očuvanje okoliša. Što se tiče opće svijesti o otvorenoj znanosti, u BiH je to novi pojam, međutim to je put Europske komisije. Ono što Europska unija uzme kao prioritet, akademska zajednica to slijedi”.
Zaštićena područja – učionice na otvorenom
Poseban fokus radionice bio je na zaštiti Hutovog blata, jednog od najznačajnijih mediteranskih močvarnih ekosustava u Bosni i Hercegovini, koji se suočava s brojnim ekološkim izazovima.
Dr. sc. Irena Rozić, ravnateljica Parka prirode Hutovo blato, osvrnula se na značaj radionica za buduće generacije:
"Zaštićena područja nisu samo centri biološke raznolikosti, već i učionice na otvorenom gdje učenici mogu izravno vidjeti i osjetiti važnost očuvanja ekosustava."
Dodala je da su ove radionice za učenike jako važne jer bude u njima zanimanje za prirodu i zaštitu okoliša i životne sredine.
‘’Nažalost, nismo u potpunosti svjesni što uključenost građana u znanost i zaštitu prirode znači. Građanska znanost nudi mogućnosti i prostor da građani sudjeluju u praćenju kroz različite aplikacije, kao što je recimo brojanje ptica u Hutovu blatu. Ne mogu reći da ljudska svijest nije razvijenija, ali mislim da još uvijek imamo puno posla. Često najmanje cijenimo ono što nam je najbliže, a upravo je fokus misliti globalno, a djelovati lokalno’’, zaključila je Rozić.
Radionica je organizirana u povodu nadolazećeg Međunarodnog dana biološke raznolikosti, a sudionici su zajedničkim snagama doprinijeli razvoju multidioničkog pristupa ekološkoj obnovi i održivom upravljanju prirodnim resursima.
Ovaj događaj označava ključni korak ka dugoročnoj zaštiti Hutovog blata, podizanju ekološke svijesti i jačanju suradnje među znanstvenim, obrazovnim i lokalnim zajednicama.
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Citizen Science in Action: High School Students Learn Biodiversity Monitoring Techniques in Hutovo Blato
How can we protect nature and engage citizens in scientific research? High school students from Grude and Čapljina found the answer at an educational Citizen Science Workshop held as part of the SE4HuBlE project, funded through the REINFORCING program (Horizon Europe).
The workshop, organized by the Center for Investment and Entrepreneurship Development (CIRP) in collaboration with STEMWise d.o.o., brought together twenty enthusiastic students with the aim of educating them on the importance of biodiversity monitoring and active participation in environmental protection.
Guided by experts, students learned biodiversity monitoring techniques, participated in field activities, and attended interactive lectures to gain insights into the principles of Open and Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI).
"We specifically focused on invasive fish species in Hutovo Blato Nature Park and demonstrated monitoring methods. Students had the opportunity to catch fish, weigh and measure them, and record their observations in working materials. This practical engagement is essential for their learning and development because interactivity in these workshops is crucial. They found it very interesting," said Dr. Irena Rozić, director of Hutovo Blato Nature Park.
Dr. Adrijana Planinić emphasized the significance of citizen science in nature conservation:
"The number of scientists working on biodiversity is insufficient compared to actual needs, so it is essential to involve the local community in research and environmental protection. Regarding general awareness of open science, it is still a new concept in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, it aligns with the European Commission's priorities, and the academic community follows that direction."
Protected Areas – Open-Air Classrooms
A key focus of the workshop was the protection of Hutovo Blato, one of the most important Mediterranean wetland ecosystems in Bosnia and Herzegovina, facing numerous environmental challenges.
Dr. Irena Rozić, director of Hutovo Blato Nature Park, highlighted the importance of workshops for future generations:
"Protected areas are not just biodiversity hotspots; they also serve as open-air classrooms where students can directly observe and understand the importance of ecosystem conservation."
She added that these workshops are valuable for students as they spark interest in nature, environmental protection, and sustainability.
"Unfortunately, we are not fully aware of the significance of citizen involvement in science and nature conservation. Citizen science provides opportunities for the public to engage in monitoring activities through various applications, such as bird counting in Hutovo Blato. While environmental awareness is improving, there is still much work to be done. We often fail to appreciate what is closest to us, yet the focus should be to think globally and act locally," concluded Rozić.
The workshop was organized ahead of the upcoming International Day for Biological Diversity, bringing together various stakeholders to promote a multi-participant approach to ecosystem restoration and sustainable water management.
This initiative marks a crucial step toward the long-term protection of Hutovo Blato, raising ecological awareness and fostering collaboration among scientific, educational, and local communities.
This project has received funding from the European Research Executive Agency (REA), under grant agreement number 101094435
