Four schools in Gozo have successfully completed a LEAF project in accordance with the international standards demanded by FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) locally run by Nature Trust Malta. The best project is going to be awarded an aluminium greenhouse, sponsored by Bank of Valletta p.l.c. whilst the other schools are going to each be given gardening tools and others materials which will be sponsored by the Europe Direct – Victoria Gozo, to support them in their efforts to increase love and awareness for endemic and indigenous trees and plants.
Read more about the winning schools and phenomenal work here!
LEAF Ireland officially launched
We are extremely happy to announce that Learning about Forests (LEAF) Ireland teamed up with the Tree Council of Ireland Thursday 6 October, Tetra Pak Tree Day to officially launch the International LEAF programme.
The Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce has officially launched the LEAF programme to 30 schools in County Limerick. Through interactive learning and field trips the programme reconnects the next generation with their environment, educating them to be more conscious of protecting it and instilling in students a sense of ownership of the natural world that surrounds them. There will be emphases on using Curragh Chase Forest Park as a focal point for training and events in the region. The park, which is managed by Coillte, covers 313 hectares of mixed woodlands, park land and lakes which together provide a rich habitat for a diverse range of animals and plants.
Read the Press Release.
Read more about LEAF Ireland on their Facebook page.
More great photos can be found on LEAF Ireland's Flickr page.
Always learning in Latvia
This year the "Mother Nature Teachers' (Mammadaba) Camp" took place from 27th to 29th July. 50 of the most active teachers took part in the even organised within the framework of the LVM environmental education programme "Learning about Forests". They participated in 36-hours of continuing education courses held in nature to acquire new skills, knowledge and ideas for their classes.
Sirpa Kärkkäinen, a representative of the Finnish Forest Association and member of the LEAF Steering Committee, was on hand to share her expertise about the Finnish experience with the education reform and gradual implementation of a new education programme. Among other things the teachers were tasked with preparing a plan for a class called "Wood is Everywhere!" which resulted in games, study cards or rebuses. Read more about this story here!
“Dream in the Wave” teacher Summer School, Skiathos, Greece
Though there might have been a slight language barrier, nothing could obscure the enthusiasm and dedication of those in attendance at the Skiathos Summer School. Presentation after impassioned presentation left Learning about Forests Director Barry McGonigal in no doubt as to the commitment of this incredible group of teachers and educators assembled on the beautiful island in the Aegean. The setting for these presentations was the fittingly impressive “Bourtzi” Cultural Centre close to where the ‘old’ and ‘new’ ports meet. Surrounded by pine trees and with breath-taking views of the harbour and the sea, this former bastion and school was the perfect place to hear about the wonderful work the schools participating in the LEAF programme were undertaking. Examples of best practice abounded and all attendees were impressed by ingenious resources such as the LEAF backpack, LEAF activity guide and the Treasure Hunt game.
Activities in the field included the xperiential field study workshops in the Koukounaries wetland and teaching training workshops at the Skiathos High School. Cultural trips such as visiting the Monastery of the Annunciation and silvered sand of Koukounaries beach made for delightful outings and gave some context to the wonderful backdrop of the island.
Thirty teachers from all across Greece participated in the Summer School with the sole aim of furthering their ability to foster a greater connection between young people and their forested environment. Teachers with years of experience in environmental education were on hand to extol the virtues of this approach: everyone had something to offer and all participants came away with fresh knowledge and new ideas. Throughout the activities, the core elements of the Learning about Forests programme shone through and it was clear that the programme was being implemented to its fullest.
This was only the second year of such a Summer School and it was organised by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature in association with the Ministry of Education and Primary Education B Athens and members of the Hellenic Coordinating Committee of the LEAF Programme. Thanks to the kind efforts of the Cultural Association of Skiathos and the sponsorship of the AG Leventis Foundation, the entire undertaking was an unparalleled success. In addition, a special thanks must go to the following for their hard work, hospitality and patience: Mr. Nikos Petrou, President of HSPN,
MMrs. Alexia Nikiforaki, HSPN Deputy General Secretaryr. Theodoros Tzoumas, President of the Skiathos Cultural Society, Mrs. Katerina Mpazigou, representative from the Hellenic Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs, Mrs. Sofia Perdikari, Mrs. Sofia Kainourgiou, Mrs. Varvara Petridou, Mrs.Christina Theodora and Mrs. Stefania Dritsa.
Congratulations LEAF Greece on a fantastic Summer School and all the best for next year!
The conclusion of the Mammadaba Masterclass
Involving an outdoor master class, a wooden craft workshop and a "master forest day", over the course of the past school year in Latvia, some 530 teachers from 152 schools together with their students took their studies from the classroom to nature. The title of "apprentice" was bestowed on the 390 master classes and 98 classes who participated, and the 6,594 masters who took part will be able to recognise each other by the special Mammadaba Masterclass pins they received.
To read more about this story please click here!
LEAF Malaysia visit the Matang Mangrove Forest
38 members of WWF-Malaysia's Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Consumption and Production (YESCP) Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) programme visited the breathtaking Matang Mangrove Forest in Kuala Sepetang, Perak. The 40,000 hectare site was decreed as a Permanent Forest Reserve in 1906 and is renowned as one of the best managed mangrove forests in the world.
After a stroll along the board-walk admiring the buttress, aerial and stilt roots came a trip to nearby charcoal factories to observe traditional methods for producing charcoal using wood sustainably harvested from Matang. For more photos please follow this link.
Protecting the Forests in Paphos, Cyprus
On 15th April the 2nd Primary School of Yeroskipou in cooperation with the 9th Primary School of Paphos organised a workshop with the theme “Protecting the Forests”. The location chosen for this venue was the forest of Pikni in Paphos where children had the opportunity to learn about forests, the benefits and threats as well as the laws and measures being taken to protect them.
A representative of the Forest Department gave a speech to the children before they then took part in different activities and games organised around 7 stations. The aim of these stations was to allow the children to acquire further knowledge on the importance of trees and forests by playing outside and enjoying nature. CYMEPA coordinated the event with sponsorship from KEAN Ltd who provided transportation and fresh juice for the all children.
Friendship wins in the finals of Forest Olympics 2016
On the 20th April the finals of the Forest Olympics 2016 were held in the LVM Nature Park in Tērvete. 100 children from all over Latvia participated in the Forest Olympics this year, undaunted by the wind and rain: true outdoor enthusiasts!
Focused on the theme of "friendship", the children tackled 30 different control points that were located throughout the territory of park, making a presentation based on the theme and including other participants in it and various objects that are related to forest. Did you know that there are wood components in a vanilla ice-cream?
To read more about this fantastic outing please click here.
Tree Planting and Teachers’ Environmental Seminar at Skiathos Island, Greece
6 November 2015 a tree planting event was organised on Skiathos Island by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, North Athens Directorate of Primary Education and the members of the Hellenic Coordinating Committee of the LEAF Programme, with the cooperation of the Cultural Association of Skiathos and the scientific guidance of the Municipality of Skiathos. Approximately 300 students from the local schools participated, which included the 1st and 2nd Primary School of Skiathos, the High School and Lyceum of Skiathos.
They planted 1,000 trees of Pinus Pinea in an area called Koukounaries. Members of the Parents’ Association, the Fire Brigade and members of the Municipality of Skiathos Board also participated. To begin, they were all informed about the significance of the Koukounaries Forest, where the trees were planted, and its protection. At the end of the tree planting event the students put up signs with their names and the moto 'We grow up together'. It was decided that they should take care of them in future years.
After the tree planting, a three hour teachers’ environmental seminar took place at the High School of Skiathos, where 50 teachers were informed about the International Learning about Forests Programme in Greece and also the significance of the forests and their protection. The title of the seminar was 'We send message and take action of the protection of the environment'. At the end, the teachers took part in environmental educational activities in relation to orientation, as well as, recording and exploring of the natural forest ecosystem and how to use the tools and the instruments of the environmental backpack, which is given to the awarded LEAF schools that successfully implement the LEAF Programme.
First Ever Tiny Forest planted on European soil - Zaandam, the Netherlands
Instituut voor natuureducatie en duurzaamheid (IVN), the Netherlands, has planted the first ever Tiny Forest on European soil! A Tiny Forest is a dense primeval forest of 200 square meters, planted according to the Miyawaki method.
December 2016 landscapers prepared the soil for planting. Thursday 10th of December IVN started the main event, 60 students from two schools planted 600 trees of 36 different indigenous species in just 200 square meters of soil. Volunteers of IVN and other organisations assisted the students. Two schools in Zaandam have adopted the Tiny Forest. In the following years, they will assist in the maintenance of the forest and monitor whether it really grows ten times faster than regular forests.
During the planting of the trees, the children were very enthusiastic! The quotes of Gijs and Benjamin (both 10) of the Free School Zaanstreek show that this project leads to students having a feeling ownership of their forest:"This is so cool. This really feels like our forest!" Gijs: "In ten years when I walk by and look at this forest, then I will know that I have planted these trees. That is what I will be thinking off."
LEAF Global Action Day 21 March 2016
The first ever LEAF Global Action Day has been a huge success! Positive stories have been rolling in and continue to do so on the Global Action Days Facebook page. LEAF Global Action Day coincides with International Day of Forests, which takes place March 21 each year.
Students and teachers are invited to come up with innovative ideas that raise awareness, create positive change, help the environment and lead to a more sustainable future. These ideas are put into action on a chosen date each year, collectively known as Global Action Days. Schools are invited to share their ideas for action and positive stories on our Global Action Days Facebook page.
A huge thank you to all the students, teachers and parents that participated in this year's LEAF Global Action Day and to all those that celebrated International Day of Forests! You are helping to better your community and are having a positive global impact! Well done to all involved!
LEAF International and LEAF National Operators from around the world also celebrated LEAF Global Action Days and International Day of Forests by planting over 20 native trees in Buskett Woodland, while attending their National Operator Meeting in Malta in March. Click here to check out the photos!
LEAF National Operators Meeting Malta
A fantastic two days was had by all, at the LEAF National Operators Meeting, in Malta! Day 1, was full of engaging workshops and interesting presentations. New LEAF National Operators were welcomed and Anthony Purcell from An Taisce, LEAF member organisation, Ireland spoke about the research being conducted into the LEAF programme.
Day 2, delegates were taken on a guided tour of Malta's treasured Buskett Woodland, with Mark Causon. They heard about the great efforts being done to protect the trees there. Delegates celebrated LEAF Global Action Days and International Day of Forests by planting approximately 20 native trees in the Woodland. The day ended with two best practice activities from LEAF Latvia, which focused on carbon storage in trees for older students, and LEAF Japan, which focused on forests and products for younger students.
An exciting, engaging, inspiring few days was had by all! LEAF International would like to thank the energetic team of the Nature Trust Malta - NTM for hosting a wonderful LEAF NOM!
Click below to watch a short video from the LEAF National Operators Meeting in Malta
First Ever Eco-Schools Expo in Ireland
25 February 2016, Brid Conneely, International Eco-Schools Director and Rachel Boyle International LEAF Director attended the first ever Eco-Schools Expo in Ireland!
An incredible event organised by a fantastic team and attended by inspiring students and teachers from all over Ireland.
President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins attended with his wife, Sabina Higgins and gave a powerful speech, praising the schools for their huge efforts and talked about the importance of 'reconnecting'.
Exhibitions from schools filled the hall and informative talks were held throughout the day. Evelyn Cusack, RTÉ weather presenter, Deputy Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann and Secretary of the Irish Meteorological Society finished off the day with an interesting talk on weather and the changes throughout time.
FEE Global Forest Fund 2015
For eight years, the Global Forest Fund has been investing in worthy tree planting events and environmental education activities around the world. The Foundation for Environmental Education invests 90% of the Global Forest Fund each year into worthy projects. Over the past eight years, 154 projects have been supported around the world. In 2015, the Global Forest Fund received almost €7,000 from the Foundation for Environmental Education as CO2 compensation for flights in 2014. A welcome donation was also received from Semaphore Signs, The Netherlands, as CO2 compensation for the worldwide production of the Blue Flags.
During the course of 2015, the Global Forest Fund supported twelve projects in seven countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. More specifically, the fund supported one project in Bangladesh, five in Bulgaria, one in D.R. Congo, two in Ghana, one in Guinea, one in Kenya and one in Zambia.
You can read the full report and inspiring stories here.
ENO Treelympics, Seminar and Awards, Istanbul, Turkey
ENO Treelympics is for schools and children or youth clubs, including teachers, staff and parents. Schools in the ENO Programme, aim to plant 100 Million Trees by 2017. A commitment that was made in Rio+20 Summit. ENO Environment Online and LEAF International are partners with similar aims, to raise awareness about the importance of Forests.
This December, the awards ceremony and seminar took place in Istanbul, Turkey. Rachel Boyle, International LEAF Director was delighted to attend and participate.
The ceremony was opened by Ms. Ülkü GÜRSOY, ENO Turkey Coordinator. Ms. GÜRSOY shared inspiring stories and encouraged everyone to continue with their efforts towards creating a brighter future. Representatives from the Turkish Ministry of Forestry and Embassy of Finland were also present. Mr. Mika Vanhanan, ENO Founder and Director rounded off the seminars by singing a wonderful song with a powerful message to 'Act Now'.
Guests were invited to plant trees on the campus grounds, along with the students, to celebrate the opening of the ceremony.
Day 2, Rachel Boyle, International LEAF Director and Fatma KÖLE, LEAF National Operator for Turkey presented the Learning about Forests programme. The seminar also included informative talks from Safak KEMALOGLU, the General Directorate of Forestry Dept., Assistant Prof. Tezcan YILDIRIM, from Istanbul University Faculty of Forestry and Perihan OZTURK from Aegean Forest Foundation and Dr. Pinar Gokcin OZUYAR from Ozyegin University.
The day was finished off with inspiring stories from Learning about Forests coordinator and teacher Gülay Gün KUTLU from Eskişehir 1. Hava İkmal Bakım Merkezi Primary School, ENO coordinator, Kenya, and a student from a local ENO school.
Day 3, ended with the Award Ceremony at ÖZYEĞİN University, Istanbul Turkey. At the awards ceremony, Ülkü GÜRSOY was recognised for her commitment to raising environmental awareness and the fantastic works she does with ENO and was awarded a gold medal! LEAF/ENO school, Hava İkmal Bakım Merkezi Primary School, Eskişehir, was among the Top 10 schools, their LEAF/ENO coordinator teacher Gülay Gün KUTLU and student, Ilayda Yabaoglu who won the Student Award, for planting 150 trees!
A fantastic few days was had by all, at the ENO Treelympics in Istanbul, Turkey!
You can check out the full list of fantastic results on the ENO Treelympics Facebook page.
A ‘European Garden’ in Malta
10 November, a ‘European Garden’ was planted at Xrobb l-Għagin Nature Park and Sustainable Development Centre, Marsaxlokk, Malta. It includes 28 trees, representing each EU member state. It was opened by Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for the Environment, as part of a wider initiative of an international NGO, ENO Environment Online.
The activity is funded through the European Commission’s Europe Direct network and organised with the cooperation of Nature Trust through its LEAF programme.
The programme included a hands-on session whereby 30 students from three LEAF schools had the opportunity to learn more about site management and tree aftercare. Thanks to the PARKS Directorate within the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, students were given a guided tour of the area where they could see for themselves the work that goes into the upkeep of the planting site until the new trees become acclimatised and become well established. Staking, water trenching, irrigation, weeding, grass cutting and mulching were some of the themes discussed. Towards the end of the session students were also involved in a weeding exercise in the area where they had planted a number of dwarf fan palm trees two years back.
'Replant the Planet' Denmark
In November, 15,000 students from 200 schools all over Denmark planted 33,000 trees for a better climate. Together with foresters, the students planted trees in their schools and in the forests in the hope that these trees will grow into school forests and green schoolyards.
Rachel Boyle, International LEAF Director, was thrilled to attend the launch of 'Replant the Planet' at the Naturcenter Herstedhoje Albertslund, Denmark. Replant the Planet is an annual event, organised by our Danish LEAF National Operator, Malene Bendix and LEAF member organisation in Denmark, Skoven i Skolen.
Replant the Planet was launched, in the finest possible way! The Danish Crown Princess Mary planted the first tree of the campaign, an Oak tree, the first tree in the new forest “The Forest of the Princess”. After planting the Oak, the Crown Princess continued planting a long row of beech trees together with many proud students. Click here to watch a short movie of the Crown Princess Mary planting and speaking about Replant the Planet.
120 students, 4 Mayors and many other guests planted trees and engaged in four different workshops. They learned about photosynthesis, sketched climate drawings, carved nameplates for their trees in wood, planted young trees in pots they made from newspaper and pressed apples into juice.
As a part of Replant the Planet, new teaching material about forest, wood and climate was developed, a booklet and poster called “Replant the Planet: The Tree Circle – and the Climate”. Participating schools were given 50 trees and the new teaching material.
LEAF Malta catches up with Mr. Vanhanen, Director of ENO
Mr. Mika Vanhanen founder and Director of ENO, Environment Online, an e-NGO which is present in more than 150 countries through a virtual network of educators, visited Malta in October. ENO has made an ambitious commitment at the UN RIO+20 Summit, to plant 100 million trees by 2017. Learning about Forests International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ENO Environment Online.
During his short stay, LEAF Malta caught up with Mika Vanhanen to discuss the progress Malta has made in its bid to reach out to more schools with respect to awareness about the benefits of forests and local activeparticipation to safeguard these vital natural commodities.
Hailing from the lush landscapes of Finland, Mr. Vanhanen was quite bemused with the seemingly barren landscape, since the local vegetation is still reeling from the hot arid weather of the past summer months. It was explained, that the scantiness of the soil, the erratic rainfall patterns, the introduction of invasive species and the other human pressures, have done nothing to arrest the progressive degradation of the remaining pockets of vulnerable ecological niches.
Buskett woodland, a Natura 200 site and a bird sanctuary is one such place. Located in the Western/South Western Coast of Malta this special important site of ecological and nature conservation is home to a variety of endemic and rare species and a concentration of Annex I habitats that are unparalleled in the Maltese Islands. This semi- natural woodland has also areas of archaeological and historical interest. These include Punic Catacombs, Bronze Age Cart Ruts in the limestone garigue, underground Flour Mills and a Hunting Lodge commissioned by the Grandmaster Jean De La Valette (1557-1595).
A popular retreat during the winter months for picnic lovers, the woodland has suffered badly and has been in neglect for various years giving hardly any chance for the local flora and fauna to re-establish itself. Thankfully, the Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate change through the PARK Directorate has managed to secure EU funding for a very ambitious Life Project; Saving Buskett that is envisaged to give a much needed uplift to the site.
Mr Vanhanen had the opportunity to meet the project managers Dr. Mark Causon and Mr. Mark Zammit for a short tour around the specific targeted areas were intervention has already started. The project budget is €2.7 million, 50% of which is co-financed by the EU LIFE Funding Programme under the Nature and Biodiversity priority area. The project commenced in July 2013 and is expected to be completed by May 2018. The aim of the project is; to repair and rebuild retaining dry stone walls and arched buttresses along the watercourses, to remove invasive alien species which are competing with native trees and the planting on new indigenous plants to enhance the quality of existing habitats.
To this effect Mr. Vanhanen had the opportunity to see the works in progress and discussed several issues with the project leaders. Mr Neville Ebejer, Senior Environment Inspector at the PARK Directorate discussed also the challenges to reach out to the general public in a well thought and vigorous educational campaign. Mr. Johann Gatt National Operator of LEAF Malta explained how the LEAF programme is assisting in the growing of trees in various schools that will be eventually planted at Buskett as part of the ambitious LIFE Project-Saving Buskett. Several LEAF schools have also benefit ted from guided tours around the site to gain further awareness about the key role these woodlands play in our lives when managed sustainably.
LEAF International host workshop at 10th European Forest Pedagogy Congress in Slovakia
29 September, speakers and participants gathered at the 10th European Forestpedagogy Congress in Zvolen, Slovakia. The conference ran over three days, the theme was 'Challenges and Opportunities for the Future'. The conference is targeted at foresters, forestry staff, professionals dealing with Evironmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development, teachers and educators, decision-makers, academics and people interested in Forestpedagogy.
30 September, LEAF International held a workshop. The first part of the workshop explained how the LEAF programme helps increase the levels of awareness about the key role forests play for a sustainable life on our planet. The workshop also included case studies from Romania, Greece and Malaysia.
The second part of the workshop included a practical activity investigating the amount of CO2 stored in trees. This part of the workshop was hosted by our LEAF member organisation in Latvia, Latvia's State Forests, Anda Sproge and Inga Petersone.
Slovenia launch the Learning about Forests programme September 2015
The Learning about Forests programme is going from strength to strength! Monday 28 September, our FEE member organisation, Društvo DOVES - FEE Slovenia, launched the Learning about Forests programme.
Rachel Boyle, International LEAF Director, welcomed Slovenia on board and looks forward to watching the programme grow in Slovenia!
The programme was launched at the annual conference of the Eco-Schools programme . Over 450 eco-coordinators from 285 kindergartens, primary and secondary schools and faculties participated at the Conference. Guests of honour at the conference were: Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Mr. Dejan Zidan, and Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr. Bart Twaalfhoven.
Lek Pharmaceuticals will help support the programme in Slovenia. Ms. Katarina Klemenc, LEK/Sandoz group; director of Corporate Communications attended the launch.
The Learning about Forests (LEAF) programme, run by FEE International, was presented by Rachel Boyle, International Director of the programme. It is expected that kindergartens and schools will participate in the programme as forest is included as a topic within main themes of the Eco-Schools programme in Slovenia and many activities already related or even focus on forests. The main purpose of launching the LEAF programme in Slovenia is therefore to make the topic of forest systematically approached and consequently more visible and exposed. This is important as 60 % of Slovenian territory is covered with forests which puts it on the third place in Europe.
