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Project part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund) within the BSR INTERREG III B programme.
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About the project
Evaluation of the WP3 Trans-national and national exchange of experience on best practices and benchmarking on environmental interpretation, capacity building. During the project BSR EAGLE lifetime, Methods of environmental interpretation are developed and exchanged. Extensive twining and exchange of experience on NI for specialist is carried out: 91 transnational study and twinning visits are implemented. Seminars and conferences carried out for professionals and stakeholders. New Marine Network established and activated, 3 trans national network methodic seminars arranged. Within the Annual conference of Danish Ranger Association (DRA), a special workshop was dedicated to elaborate the recommendations for the BSR Nature Interpreters and Nature Schools network further cooperation. The Board for the Danish Rangers Association had on this background invited to a meting at Bornholm, Denmark, the 11Tht April 2007 to discuss future Nordic Baltic co-operation in the field of Nature Interpretation and Nature Schools “After EAGLE” Discussion The vision of the EAGLE project is to improve the role and contribution of nature centres and environmental interpretation as part of the society’s strengthening of sustainable development through education and public participation in relation to protection of environment, natural, cultural and social values and health of the public. All participants of the meeting agreed on, that the work of the EGALE project has been very valuable and it is very important to find ways to continue Nordic Baltic co-operation in the field of Nature Interpretation, Nature Schools and Nature Centres. The participant recognized, that many different institutions and organisations with many different names carry out this work in the Nordic Baltic countries. The participants found it important that the future Nordic Baltic work involves all relevant persons and institutions whether we speak about rangers, nature interpreters, teachers etc. Conclusions The participants of the meeting recommend, that we try to follow two ways in future Nordic Baltic co-operation in the field of Nature Interpretation, Nature Schools and Nature Centres: 1. We will try to organise a new Interreg project to follow up on the project “Eagle Nature Centres and Environmental Interpretation in the Baltic See Region”. We recognise, that if we wish to continue Nordic Baltic co-operation with “high speed”, it is necessary to find some funding. One of the visions for a new Interreg project could be to organise a common Nordic Baltic training of nature interpreters a la the Nordic Course “Nordplan” for town- and landscape planners. 2. As part of the work in IRF, we will set up a “Nordic-Baltic Forum for Nature Interpretation”. The Forum shall for instance: · Have a responsible contact-person in each Nordic Baltic country · Organise a seminar each second year – managed by a new country every time · Organise a Nordic Baltic electronic network concerning nature interpretation · Organise job swot · Organise Nordic Baltic education and training courses The survey: THE EXPERIENCES AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE BSR EAGLE PARTNERS on the experiences and future expectations of the BSR Eagle partners was conducted in March 2007. According to the survey, partners found the project results from the aspect of Trans-national and national exchange of experience on best practices and benchmarking on environmental interpretation, very useful. Following gives some overview on the survey taking into account the WP3 profile. 83% of answerers were convinced that Administration in NCs can be improved through training and education 95% said that the functions of the network should be developed further 55% said that improving the administration in Nature Centres (NCs) is an important task of the network, and 45% agreed with this to some extent. Question: Has the project benefited you in any other way? Answers: •Trainings, seminars and meetings have been useful. • The project has helped in planning activities and carrying them through within a time schedule. • Training has increased the self-confidence of our environmental interpreters. • During the project, a program for training environmental interpreters has been developed Q.: Is there anything else you might want to comment on regarding the project? A: • I think BSR Eagle has been the best environmental education developing project ever in Finland. • The most valuable thing about this sort of networks is the exchange of ideas. • It is very important to have meetings in order to meet face to face: otherwise the network will not function well. • I would like to know which partners are willing to create a new developing project around environmental education. Q: Is your organisation interested in the future of the network? A: 87% Yes End of evaluation document The network of Nature Interpreters and Nature Schools is strengthened. Trans national and National Strategies for nature education development are elaborated in BSR EU countries and Russia, strategic research and survey on SD education is carried out. Capacity of interpreters and quality of activities is increased. Thematic expositions produced, nature trails built up, 33 new methodical thematic programs elaborated and published in the project web page for national and trans national use in nature schools. Existing nature schools improved. In Norway a large study program on Lake Mjösa is carried out. In Uddevalla municipality 2990 people participated in 204 project events on EMAS. The whole municipality of Uddevalla was registered by the EMAS as third in Europe and got EU EMAS Award 2005. 21 schools and pre-schools have achieved the certificate of Green Flag (Eco-school). In Nynäshamn every preschool and 4 schools has elaborated their EMAS. Pilot nature centre in Alatskivi (EE) is finalized with two expositions and thematic programs. New nature center in Palade (EE) is established in cooperation with the regional and local governments. Seminars and conferences organized to inform public on new programs. [b)Methods of environmental interpretation are developed and exchanged. Extensive twining and exchange of experience on NI for specialist is carried out: 91 transnational study and twinning visits are implemented. Seminars and conferences carried out for professionals and stakeholders. New Marine Network established and activated, 3 trans national network methodic seminars arranged. Quality of environmental interpretation and its trans-sectorial and trans-national value is increased, certified training programmes available for stakeholders Curricula for training programs elaborated and carried out in trans-national cooperation, program of “Learning by Physical Activity” engaged 14 seminars with 330 participants. Study material produced and published, web pages improved. Project work and results disseminated widely. Dissemination of the project is carried our by establishing and/or improving 10 web pages in Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Russia. Preparations to launch an international database on nature species in 5 languages are made. 8 TV episodes and films and 9 radio programs produced. 37 newspaper and magazine articles published. Project’s web page http://www.bsreagle.net/ provided partners and stakeholders with the updated information on news and results of the project and will remain at the network’s disposal after the lifetime of the project. Altogether 46 360 people in 8 countries of BSR benefited from 735 seminars, conferences, trainings and project events during the project lifetime in addition to beneficiaries in Russia and Norway. 143 different publications published. Parallel TACIS project with budget 189 000 EUR was carried out. As a result, two micro grant schemes of both 1 MRUB with participation of Regional governments for SME in sustainable tourism were established and the strategy for the development of protected areas formulated. Interreg IIIB Project BSR EAGLE is completed The project Nature Centres and Environmental Interpretation in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR EAGLE) is completed. During 3 years 50 partners from 10 BSR countries worked hard to implement the project. Project Lead Partner, Turku University, acknowledges all partners for creating network that will last long after the lifetime of this project. Altogether 46 360 people in 10 countries of BSR benefited from 735 seminars, conferences, trainings and project events during the project lifetime, 143 different publications were published. Results of the project will remain in the web page for benefit of all nature interpreters in BSR. The last project Steering Committee meeting that took place in Turku on 30th of October 2007, approved the results of the project. Good luck to all, and thank you! Päivi, Marja, Reet The Strategy for Future Operations of the Nature Centre and Environmental Interpretation Network in the Baltic Sea Region Starting from year 2004 the BSR Eagle project has been building a network of nature centres (NCs) in the Baltic Sea region. The project has increased cooperation in the region and the nature centres have been able to change experiences with their counterparts across borders. Special attention has been given to environmental interpretation and its development. The project activities have consisted of strategic planning of nature centres and environmental interpretation (EI), pilot-projects on establishment of new NCs and improvement of the existing ones, activities and trans-sectoral co-operation, trans-national and national exchange on best practise on environmental interpretation, training of nature centre staff members and environmental interpreters, and dissemination of project results, information and marketing of nature centres and environmental interpretation in the Baltic Sea region. This strategy of the future of the nature centre network in the Baltic Sea region will give guidelines for further development of the network. These guidelines are based on the experiences of the project Eagle. The participants’ experiences of the project and wishes and expectations for the future are an important element in determining possible futures for the network. The aim is to uphold the network build during the project and strengthen the cooperation further. Editors: Anna Hirsikoski, Reet Kokovkin Strategy is approved by the project Steering Committee meeting in Tartu on 10th of May 2007 Chairman of the SC: Timo Vuorisalo BSR EALGE Strategy.pdf Project BSE EAGLE conference in Tartu and Alatskivi was a success Conference in Tartu Sadamateater on 9th of May and in Alatskivi on 10th of May was a successful event with more than 70 participants. During two days, sessions discussing Baltic Sea Region strategies for education supporting sustainable development, nature and environmental education and tools for supporting activities on nature education and interpretation, were held. Also practical experience on education in support of SD was exchanged between conference participants from Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia. Among speakers, the Minister of Education of Estonia Tõnis Lukas, Director of Tallinn Office of Nordic Council of Ministers Carita Pettersson, CBSS Baltic 21 initiative group Estonian member Imbi Henno stood up. Also representatives of projects dealing with issues of nature education and outdoor education gave presentations. BSR EAGLE partners reported on their achievements during the second day of the conference in Alatskivi. Establishing of Alatskivi Nature Centre is the project pilot activity in Tartu County, Estonia. During this session partners exchanged experience in out door nature education by giving practical lessons. The conference was supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers and Turku University. More info about the conference at the sub-page Conferences Report on Interreg IIIB project BSR EAGLE Tartu session.doc Photos of the Conference: http://www.mv.hiiumaa.ee/g2/v/reet/BSREagle/ Participant list.xls Project Final Conference registration is open For the registration to the Final Conference please use the link http://www.frens.info/site/tmpl/reg9_178.php Registration & Accommodation.doc All information about the conference is under the sub page Conferences. Interreg IIIB project BSR EAGLE calls for the Conference on Education for Sustainable Lifestyle in Tartu/Alatskivi on 9th and 10th of May 2007 The Conference is dedicated to exchange of methods and experience on nature and environmental education and interpretation, to discuss and disseminate the national strategies on environmental education elaborated in countries of Baltic Sea Region, to set goals and action plans for the next EU Cross Border Cooperation period. The Conference also calls for Baltic Sea Region (BSR) umbrella organisations – Nordic Ccouncil of Ministers, Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), Council of Baltic Sea States (CBSS), UNESCO to take part in this discussion and support the network of nature education and interpretation organisations in BSR. The target audience for the Conference is the NGO-s working in the field of nature and environmental education, public organisations, municipalities, national governments, media. The Conference will take place in Tartu (Estonia) on 9th of May 2007 with the technical visit and workshop sessions in Alatskivi Nature Centre (Tartu County) on 10th of May. The Interreg IIIB project BSR EAGLE: Nature Centres and Environmental Interpretation in the Baltic Sea Region, has the aim to improve the methods of nature education and nature interpretation by creating a network of Nature Centres dealing with this issue. The lead partner of the project is the Centre for Extension Studies of Turku University (Finland). Altogether, 50 partners form all ten Baltic Sea Region countries, incl. Norway and Russia are involved with the project. Project duration is September 2004-August 2007. About the project: http://www.bsreagle.net Contacts for further information: Reet Kokovkin, project coordinator reet.kokovkin@hiiumaa.ee +3725178597 Taime Puura, project coordinator Taime.Puura@lk.ee Päivi Töyli, Lead partner representative paivi.toyli@utu.fi BSR EALGE newletter 3-4, 2006 is available at the web page http://www.bsreagle.net/files/members/Newsletter/eagle_newsletter_3-4_2006-web.pdf The newsletter article content is: Project summary and Work Packages Editorial Is Urban Nature Artificial? Article by Timo Vuorisalo, the Chairman of the project SC Success stories of the project Status of the project by Work Packages Partner Activities Strategy Elaboration for the Network of Nature centres in BSR (WP1) Publications Close look at project partners Map of BSR area with indication to partner institutions List of project partners, SC and LP contact. Newsletter in in 16 pages, ill. in English. Press release, 28.12 2006 The cooperation strategy for Nature Centres around the Baltic Sea is in finalising stage Interreg IIIB project BSR EAGLE has a task to formulate the strategic plan for nature centres development and environmental interpretation. This means institutional development and capacity building for further cooperation around the Baltic Sea, creating common basis to improve centres and environmental interpretation by trans-sectoral and -national co-operation. This challenge is a responsibility of partners from, Estonia, Sweden, Lithuania, Denmark who deal with elaborating the national strategies: In Estonia the National Strategy elaboration was concluded with a joint document signed by the Minister of Education and Sciences, and the Minister of Environment on 25 May 2006. The Documents of the Strategy are published in the project web page http://www.bsreagle.net/. The Finnish "Strategy for Education and Training for Sustainable Development And Implementation Plan 2006-2014" is now available in English language. The strategy was approved in March 2006 by the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, led by Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. Document of 43 pages is also available at http://www.bsreagle.net/ In Lithuania, the National Strategy elaboration is ongoing process. Currently, the task to formulate recommendations for the future strategy is on the agenda of working group, which would prepare the document. In Sweden, In March 2006 the Strategy elaborations started in national conference Falsterbo, the draft document is compiled. In Denmark the National Strategy is elaborated by the Danish Ranger Association by the voluntary work. TACIS partner “Catalysing civil activities and local socio-economic initiatives using the potential of Protected Areas and Protected Area-based NGOs” has elaborated the first draft of Russian Strategy for Development of Protected areas within the framework of the Russian National Strategy for the Development of Protected Areas. The first draft of this document is ready for discussions and proposals from the stakeholders. Draft document (in Russian) is consisting of 12 chapters in 17 pages of text. Chapter 9 is dedicated to the Ecological education and cooperation with local population. Extensive work is finalised on the strategic research by the German partner of Lüneburg University. Following documents are published: The Survey on the Current Status of Nature Centers and Environmental Interpretation in BSR; Article: Defining Environmental Communication, by Lars Wohlers; Poster presentation at International UNESCO Conference in Lüneburg on 25-27. September 2005; A pdf-document describing the result from the expert-meeting, held at the University of Lueneburg/Germany on 11.2005, on 38 pages; Final recomendations on the Environmental Interpretation Terminology; a presentation “Interpretation or Informal Education? Defining Interpretation in the Context of Environmental Communication”, at the 1st Interpreting World Heritage Conference in San Juan/Puerto Rico; A book on Management in Informal Environmental Education. The Trans-national Strategy of NE in BSR The first strategic seminar was carried out in Copenhagen on 1st of March 2006 by the expert Göts Henning to elaborate the mission statement and prepare background documents for the Strategy. Second workshop was performed in August 25, 2006, with the expert Rivo Noorkõiv to carry out the SWOT analysis of the BSR. The first draft of the Strategy document is compiled and under discussions among partners. The strategy will be presented at the project (b)Final Conference in May 2007 in Tartu (Estonia). The target group is the National Governments and international organisations (HELCOM, CBSS, Agenda 21, UNESCO) of the BSR. EAGLE eye over European Nature Centres Interreg IIIB project BSR EAGLE brings together nature interpreters and nature education centres from 10 Baltic Sea Region countries to network and to improve skills. �There is a long tradition of Nature Education in Baltic Sea Region, but countries have different experience and approach�, says P�ivi T�yli from the Centre of Extension Studies of Turku University (Finland), the representative of Lead Partner in this project. �Project helps to exchange experiences to improve the quality of nature education in Europe�. There are over 50 partners from all 10 Baltic Sea Countries, including Russia and Norway, in the project: Nature Schools and Centres, NGO-s dealing with nature education, municipalities and municipal institutions on planning and education. "We chose the White-tailed eagle (or Sea eagle) as the symbol of our project due to the story of saving this wonderful bird that can serve as example of clear task fulfilled and cooperation between many countries. In this project we are sure that NGO-s, local municipalities and national governments in ten countries will succeed in bringing sustainable interaction of nature and human to the national development strategies, spatial planning and everyday life." says Reet Kokovkin, the project coordinator. Russians take part in the project via TACIS project �Catalysing civil activities and local socio-economic initiatives using the potential of Protected Areas and Protected Area-based NGOs�. Activities of the project are divided into Work Packages as follows: WP1: Elaboration of National and BSR Nature Education Strategy; WP2: Improving existing Nature Centres and establishing Pilot Centres in Estonia and Latvia; WP3: Building up network of Nature Centres by exchange of experience and best practice; WP4: Training of nature centre staff members and environmental interpreters, working out new methods and training materials; WP5: propagation of project results and marketing of Nature Centres. The project lasts from September 2004 until August 2007 with total budget ca 3,3 MEUR. Interreg IIIB project EAGLE "Nature Centres and Environmental Interpretation in the Baltic Sea Region". The vision of the BSR EAGLE project is to improve the role and contribution of nature centres and environmental interpretation as a part of the society's strengthening of sustainable development through education and public participation in relation to protection of environment, natural, cultural and social values and health of the public. To realise this 49 institutions, mostly public and NGOs, from the 10 BSR countries during 3 years will carry out an extensive programme of activities in co-operation between partners, other colleagues and stakeholders. 1. Nature centres (NCs, nature schools, museums and exhibitions with EI service for schools and visitors) and environmental interpretation (EI, like education, guiding and activities for children, families and adults, most often outdoors) have developed in BSR during the last 50 years, but in particular in the last 10-20 years in parts of the region. 2. The project aims at contribution to solutions on the situation, that public attitudes to environmental problems and policies often are lacking understanding of ecological processes, that sustainable development often is seen as a limitation to development of present welfare, and that public participation in decision making in relation to spatial and regional planning often is insufficient. It aims at improvement of policies and behaviour of the citizens, institutions, etc., and better understanding of human impact on and dependency of ecological processes, and of sustainable development and spatial planning as important preconditions for environmental protection and socio-economic life. 3. The project is directed towards strengthening of institutional development and capacity building of NCs and EI and more equal distribution of NCs and EI in BSR. It will focus on trans-sectoral and trans-national co-operation, innovation of methods, and exchange of best practise related to information, education, public participation and decision-making. 4. The project activities will consist of strategic planning of NCs and EI, pilot-projects on establishment of new and improvement of existing nature centres, activities and trans-sectoral co-operation, trans-national and national exchange on best practise on environmental interpretation, training of NC staff members and environmental interpreters, and dissemination of project results, information and marketing of NCs and EI in BSR. 5. The outcome of these activities will be a capacity lift of NCs and EI in BSR, of partners and other institutions and staffs via dissemination, seminars, training courses etc. The NCs and environmental interpreters will play a more competent role and contribute to improvements on sustainable development of the society. |
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