Sabuko, the Georgian partner of BirdLife International, concluded its education program series for schools on March 15, bringing together teachers, students, and young researchers studying biodiversity conservation. The initiative, utilized in the scope of the ‘Sabuko for Schools’ program, aims to enhance students’ understanding of Georgia’s wildlife and encourage environmental awareness through interactive activities, research projects, and discussions led by experts.
The ‘Sabuko for Schools’ Initiative
Launched three years ago, ‘Sabuko for Schools’ is an educational program designed to raise awareness about Georgia’s wildlife and cultivate environmental appreciation among students. The program achieves this through creating enjoyable activities tailored to engage younger people. The initiative is divided into two main phases: the ‘Autumn Challenge’ and the ‘Spring Challenge.’ Each phase spans four months, with the autumn segment running from September to December and the spring segment from February to May. The program culminates in final events held in February and September, respectively, where participants showcase their newfound knowledge and projects.
Program Structure and Participation
Each challenge within the program carries diverse themes and educational resources. This year, the fourth edition brought together 13 teachers from different regions, including Tbilisi, Racha, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Batumi, and Gori. Of these 13, ten schools completed the challenge successfully and eight were represented at the final ceremony, with all participants being recognized for their efforts.
The program’s structure is carefully constructed to ensure full engagement.
Team Composition: Participating teachers are required to form teams of students (preferably, those who enjoy natural sciences) who actively engage in the assigned activities and challenges.
Assignments: Schools receive five different assignments covering a wide range of nature-related topics. Examples of tasks for this year included biodiversity, bird migration, and the Persian leopard in Georgia. These assignments encourage critical thinking and research.
Workshops & Webinars: Teachers and selected students attend masterclasses conducted by biodiversity experts, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to educate over 300-400 students.
Event Highlights
The final event held engaging discussions and presentations by a selected group of high school students, and lectures given by prominent researchers specializing in biodiversity and conservation-related fields. Among the key speakers were Lado Shavadze, Biospeleologist, Tinatin Chkhartishvili, Entomologist, Aleksandre Zukakishvili, Ecologist, and Shota Japaridze, Entomologist.
One of the most significant themes of the event was the conservation of the Persian leopard, a critically endangered species in Georgia. “Today, we summarize what students have learned about this species and emphasize the importance of biodiversity protection,” said Education Officer Eka Arsenishvili.
The Persian leopard is not only the largest leopard subspecies, but is also classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. These leopards historically roamed across Georgia, but their numbers plummeted due to habitat loss, poaching, and prey depletion. The last confirmed sighting in Georgia was in 2009 at Vashlovani National Park. However, a notable breakthrough happened in August 2021 when a camera trap captured an image of a Persian leopard in Tusheti Protected Areas, tracing its return to Georgia after nearly 12 years.
Naturally, this discovery has led to heightened conversation efforts to ensure the leopard’s continued presence in the region.
The Role of Sabuko in Biodiversity Conservation
Sabuko is committed to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and environmental education. As the Georgian partner of BirdLife International, it focuses on several key areas:
Protection of Endangered Species: Sabuko’s efforts include research and conservation projects on species such as the Persian leopard.
Habitat and Landscape Restoration: The organization leads initiatives such as ‘Kakheti Steppes: A Balance Between a Living Landscape and a Future Desert,’ to restore landscapes where the Persian leopard has been spotted, particularly in the Vashlovani Protected Areas.
Community Engagement: Sabuko works closely with local communities, raising awareness and promoting sustainable conservation practices.
Educational Outreach: Through programs like ‘Sabuko for Schools,’ the organization ensures the next generation understands the importance of preserving Georgia’s biodiversity.
The ‘Autumn Challenge’ provided students and teachers with incredibly valuable insights into biodiversity conservation. Reflecting on their experiences, participants shared their thoughts:
“We are delighted to have participated in the ‘Autumn Challenge,’ because it raises awareness among students about the importance of biodiversity conservation,” Nino Samkharauli, a mentor and chemistry teacher from Sartichala #1 School, noted.
“The final event was exceptionally well organized, and we are proud to have completed all five assignments successfully. We appreciate the support of Ilia State University for backing such projects,” The Sartichala School team said.
With the ‘Spring Challenge’ set to launch soon, Sabuko remains dedicated to raising awareness regarding environmental awareness and action. The next phase will continue engaging students through interesting assignments, workshops, and collaborative projects.
The ‘Autumn Challenge’ has once again demonstrated the power of education in shaping future generations of well-informed individuals. By combining academic learning with hands-on activities, Sabuko encourages a sense of responsibility and appreciation for Georgia’s biodiversity.
By Team GT
