As part of the manifestation that took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technological Development, “Days of Science and Innovation 2023”, the NGO Environment Programme organized and implemented an educational program for monitoring bioindicator species in nature. This event was realized on September 28 and 29, 2023 in the Nature Park “River Zeta “ at the Dobropoljski izvori. A meaningful, educational and creative program was presented to students and teachers of Elementary School “Štampar Makarije”, Elementary School “Radojica Perović” and Elementary School “Sutjeska” from Podgorica, as well as Elementary School “Miloslav Koljenšić”, Elementary School “Vuko Jovović”, Elementary School “Njegoš” from Danilograd.
Field research for bioindicator species was coordinated by Dr. Bogić Gligorović together with other members of the EnvPro team. The participants had the opportunity to get to know the natural values of this area, but also the rich plant and animal life of the River Zeta with an emphasis on bioindicator species (organisms that serve to monitor the state and determine changes in the environment, register negative impacts and determine the effects of pollution on the ecosystem ). The monitoring of bioindicator species and the collection of data about them enables the determination of changes in the ecosystem based on the trends of their populations, which EnvPro is actively working on as part of its long-term activities.
Therefore, all those present had the opportunity to try out the role of researchers where, with the help of experienced researchers, they got to know the methods of field work in the field of biology (on this occasion, the participants mastered the techniques of using field equipment, entomological and plankton nets for capturing bioindicators - dragonflies, river crabs and shells) and methods of measuring the physical and chemical parameters of water. In addition, with the help of a digital application as a specially created key for identification and one of the ways of collecting data on these organisms, the participants entered data on the bioindicator species present, and after that, returned them to their natural habitat.
Workshops in nature develop children’s awareness of the importance and significance of nature conservation through learning about various natural processes and phenomena, species, ecosystems and their roles. The participants pointed out that field work in nature and getting to know bioindicator species was very interesting for them because during school they do not have the opportunity to get acquainted with similar activities that significantly helped them to understand and master the school material in the field of ecology, zoology, botany and other biological disciplines.
One of the results of the work will be presented through an educational guide for elementary school teachers for monitoring bioindicator species that will help them organize field work and independently carry out the mentioned research activities together with children in nature.
In order to strengthen awareness of the importance of participation and active participation in all processes that contribute to the preservation of nature and the environment, starting from the young generations, but also involving the wider citizenry, the NGO Environment Programme will continue to implement similar educational programs.
