Schio, Italy – October-November 2024 – High school students belonging to the Pasini Institute, in Schio, Italy, are gaining a deeper appreciation for the importance of forestry through the “Closer to Nature” EU project. This innovative program aims to educate young people about the vital role forests play in our environment and economy.
The project essentially is a two-part event. First, students participated in an engaging in-class meeting where they learned about various aspects of forestry.
Building upon the valuable materials developed during the May Kick Off Meeting, Valentino and Francesco, from KRAP ASD, an association that together with 3 other European organizations took part at the training in May, covered key topics about forestry and forest conservation.
Students delved into the multifaceted importance of forests, recognizing their significant economic contributions. They learned about the diverse array of products derived from trees, including timber, paper, and a wide range of non-timber forest products, and how these resources contribute to local and global economies. Furthermore, they discovered the crucial ecological benefits of forests, such as their role in mitigating climate change, safeguarding biodiversity, and providing essential ecosystem services like clean air and water. Finally, students explored sustainable forest management practices, emphasizing the importance of responsible forest stewardship to ensure the long-term health and productivity of these valuable ecosystems.

Few weeks after the in-class session, students embarked on an invigorating outdoor hike in the stunning Cansiglio Plateau. This hands-on experience allowed them to observe firsthand the concepts learned in the classroom within a real-world setting.
The Cansiglio Plateau, a vast plateau characterized by its unique beech forests, provided an ideal backdrop for this learning expedition. As they navigated the diverse terrain, students actively engaged in various activities: they were able to check an EU project monitored by Compagnia delle Foreste, an association which trained the educators of the Closer to Nature project, and to observe what they learnt in the natural environment. Moreover, students investigated the intricate relationships within the forest ecosystem: they observed the interplay of various organisms, including insects, birds, and mammals, and learned how these interconnected elements contribute to the overall health and resilience of the forest.
Through discussions with the Closer to Nature educators and by observing firsthand the impacts of past logging practices and current conservation efforts, students gained insights into the challenges facing forest management in the Cansiglio Plateau. They learned about the importance of sustainable practices, such as selective logging, reforestation, and wildlife conservation, to ensure the long-term health of this valuable ecosystem.
The hike in the Cansiglio Plateau provided a memorable and impactful learning experience for the students. It allowed them to connect their classroom knowledge with the realities of forest ecosystems, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of sustainable forest management and conservation.
The “Closer to Nature” project is a collaborative effort between four international organizations: KRAP ASD (Italy), Mountaineering Association Tara (Serbia), Innovative Education Center (Austria) and Scout Society (Romania). By engaging young people in this way, the project hopes to inspire the next generation of forest stewards and ensure the sustainable management of our forests for years to come.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.