Participation of the ER INAS in the Ecological and Naturalistic Seminar

2.7.2025

On July 1, representatives of the directorate and departments of the Educational and Research Institute of Natural and Agrarian Sciences took an active part in the online seminar on the topic: “Ecological and naturalistic centers as a space of mental support: environmental context.”

The purpose of the online seminar is to familiarize with innovations in psycho-emotional support for children in wartime conditions, in particular through the integration of nature-oriented and educational practices. The event was organized and held by the Public Organization “All-Ukrainian Ecological League”.

The seminar was opened and delivered by Tetiana Tymochko, Head of the All-Ukrainian Ecological League. The topic of the speech: “The Impact of Russian Military Aggression on the Environment of Ukraine”.

Ms. Tetiana analyzed in detail the scale of the damage caused to the environment: air pollution, damage to water resources, biodiversity, objects of the nature reserve fund, the consequences of the terrorist act of the Russian Federation on the Kakhovka Dam. “It is important that the aggressor country be held accountable,” concluded Tetiana Valentynivna, calling on all interested parties to join the experts and scientists of the Ecological League in gathering and studying information about the harm caused by the Russian invasion to the environment.

The seminar participants were interested in the speech of Maria Vaver, coordinator of the public organization “Interregional Center for Scientific Research and Expertise”, who introduced the program of the All-Ukrainian Ecological League – “Psychological Support in Nature” for children affected by the war. The goal of the Program is to provide psychological support, promote social adaptation, stress resistance and strengthen the mental health of children aged 8 to 14, including children from privileged categories and children affected by the war, who are/were in territories where hostilities are/were taking place. Ms. Maria also presented the manual “Program “Psychological Support in Nature”.

Oleksandra Fedoniuk, an ecologist at the Center for Environmental Education and Information, introduced the participants of the event to the possibilities of using ecological games as an effective method of involving children and youth in environmental protection activities.

Representatives of the Luhansk branch of the VEL, as well as leaders and specialists from different regions of Ukraine, joined the event, because the formation of environmental awareness, increasing the level of environmental education and culture among citizens is an important component of sustainable development of society, preservation of natural resources for present and future generations.

According to the ER INAS