PROJECT HUSKROUA/23/RS/1.2/027

Project name:Environment for the future by scientific education – work in nature (EFFUSE-win)

Project duration:15.04.2025 – 14.04.2027

Project objective:Todevelop ecological competences and disseminate environmental knowledge about the state of nature and the need for its protection among residents of the cross-border regions of Slovakia and Ukraine, as well as to enhance scientific competences important for addressing current environmental challenges.

The main aims of the project:

1. Bringing Nature Closer to People – Educational nature trails – creating opportunities for work in nature. Practical learning based on science and experience with an emphasis on research education as a tool for innovative learning processes, which can increase young people's interest in solving environmental problems through knowledge exchange in the fields of environment and nature conservation.

2. Formation of a New Community of Future Scientists – creating a network of partner universities in Slovakia and Ukraine aimed at training potential future scientists with broad competencies and a comprehensive understanding of environmental and ecological issues, including biodiversity protection, control of certain invasive species, and their risks to human health. Cooperation of involved educational institutions with other schools, as well as thematic information campaigns/school events for students or the public.

3. Development of Environmental Competencies for All Target Groups Considering Society’s Digital Needs – creation of joint scientific databases and training in their use, enhancement of digital skills and competencies alongside language exchange within the community, creation of informational content about the current state of biodiversity in the Latorica basin, its main threats, and ways to address these issues.

Expected results of the project: 

1. To enhance the role of environmental literacy among the population, as education plays a crucial role in raising awareness of environmental issues and the importance of sustainable development. It helps people understand the impact of their actions on the environment and the necessity of preserving natural resources for future generations.

2. The results of project research conducted during outdoor activities will be published and presented in virtual laboratory databases and eco-educational events for local residents. Environmental education will expand the local community’s knowledge about the state of the environment and its impact on living organisms and human health. The implemented activities are expected to spark interest among future generations in environmental conditions and foster a positive attitude towards solving problems in their region.

3. A network of educational institutions participating in an eco-educational program will be established. This program will focus on promoting the idea of "Environment through science education", which is based on ecological scientific education.

4. Connections will be established among educational institutions at various levels — secondary, higher education, and lifelong learning institutions. It is not only the younger generation that needs to be educated, but also individuals engaged in lifelong learning at universities of the third age, as they shape the ideas and values of younger generations. Scientific environmental education equips people with the skills necessary to participate in sustainable development, as the environment is one of the three pillars of sustainability. This includes technical skills for working in laboratories, analytical skills for assessing environmental data, and problem-solving skills for developing sustainable solutions.

5. As a result of the project, eco-educational competencies among target groups will be improved. Furthermore, the project aims to foster and expand scientific research collaboration among academic communities through long-term partnerships.

Local Project Coordinator from UzhNU:  Assoc. Prof. Vladyslav Mirutenko, PhD

APPLICANT:

Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (Slovak Republic)

PROJECT PARTNERS:

Uzhhorod National University (Ukraine)

The Institute for the Development of the Carpathian Region (Ukraine)

Funding:

The project is implemented within the framework of the cross-border cooperation programme Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine 2021–2027, funded by the European Union.

The amount of the grant: € 604,985,91

The amount of the grant for Ukraine: € 250,919,54