Searching and balancing contrasts between nature protection and intensive agriculture in different European countries Erasmus Project

Project Title

Searching and balancing contrasts between nature protection and intensive agriculture in different European countries

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2017

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Agriculture, forestry and fisheries; Teaching and learning of foreign languages; Environment and climate change

Project Summary

The idea of this project was based on the previous cooperation of three agricultural secondary schools – the Danish school Landbrugskollen Sjaeland in Höng, the Spanish school EFA El Soto in Chauchina and the Czech school Libverda in Děčín as an applicant organization. The aim of the project was to contribute to meeting the needs of all partner schools: to improve the quality of teaching methods, the transfer of knowledge, skills and competences – both theoretical and practical, and to improve the knowledge of foreign languages.
The project was aimed at finding the contrasts and balance between nature conservation and intensive agricultural production in different European countries. The main objective of the project was to provide students of agricultural secondary schools from the Czech Republic, Spain and Denmark with new experience and knowledge through virtual and educational activities in various national parks and farms.
During the two-year project, we organized three international partners meetings and three five-day training activities, one in each partner country. First, there was a preparatory period in which pupils with teachers from the school organizing upcoming educational activities created presentations and learning materials focused on their country, school, national parks and agriculture in their country. During making these presentations, the pupils cooperated with experts from national parks and farms. These presentations were then sent to partner schools so that their pupils and teachers could prepare for the upcoming educational activities. Then, six students and one teacher from each partner school took part in five-day educational activities, during which students did practical activities in national parks and on farms and learned about the links between the environment, specific activities necessary for nature conservation and agricultural production. Management of national parks and farms where students learned and worked, prepared and managed the program of educational activities.
During educational activities in all partner countries, students had the opportunity to learn about the plant and animal species of ecosystems of different national parks in the Czech Republic (Bohemian Switzerland National Park) and Spain (Sierra Nevada National Park) and in Denmark’s protected landscape areas. They carried out specific activities necessary to ensure the protection of nature and the landscape and its sustainability. They learned about damage to national park ecosystems caused by interventions in neighboring fields and agricultural areas and how to minimize them. They also had the opportunity to see different approaches to agricultural production in different countries. Czech and Spanish students had the opportunity to learn about the most modern technologies used in Denmark, which is known for its livestock and pig farming.
During the project period students did virtual activities in English using various communication means such as social networks and mobile phones (Whatsapp, Instagram, Messenger etc.).
The project was attended by students and teachers of agricultural fields. The virtual and preparatory activities of the school organizing educational activities were always attended by pupils from several classes of agricultural branches, only 6 pupils and 1 teacher participated in the training activities abroad. During the whole project period students created groups and communicated through social media in English language.
By participating in this project, pupils have a better understanding of the importance of human activities necessary for nature conservation and sustainable development, as well as the importance of maintaining a balance between nature use and intensive agricultural production. They had the opportunity to look at the topic of their studies in a different context, which in particular can affect pupils in their future business.
We expect to continue working with the staff from the national parks and farms involved in the project. All partner schools will be able to use all presentations created during project activities.
The whole project was carried in English, which was also a great benefit for all participants.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 64370 Eur

Project Coordinator

Stredni skola zahradnicka a zemedelska Antonina Emanuela Komerse, Decin – Libverda, prispevkova organizace & Country: CZ

Project Partners

• Federación de Escuelas Familiares Agrarias de Andalucía Penibética
• Roskilde Technical College