In Mykolaiv, schoolchildren are involved in environmental research and at the same time learn to treat nature responsibly. Members of the Young Ecologists club, supported by the Kinburn public organization, are studying the city’s green areas as part of a program to promote green spaces. This gives children the opportunity not only to learn about nature, but also to realize their own role in its preservation, understanding that urban spaces are formed for people and together with people.
Research is conducted in Yunist Park, Narodny Sad Park, and Admiralty Square. They study the condition of trees, soil quality, and look for ways to make green areas more resilient to climate change. To do this, they use modern devices that allow them to assess the health of plants and the potential of parks.
The collected data will form the basis for recommendations for the city. These include proposals for planting new trees, creating perennial lawns, and introducing effective irrigation systems: rainwater ditches, rain gardens, and drip irrigation. Such solutions can help Mykolaiv remain green and comfortable even in the face of climate challenges.
A separate area of the club’s work is the creation of urban meadows with plants characteristic of the steppe zone. Currently, students are selecting seeds and determining which crops can thrive in Mykolaiv. This is scientific work that demonstrates the possibility of combining steppe nature with the urban environment.
“We want children to see how science helps make our city better. Their research is already yielding practical results and may influence what green areas will look like tomorrow,” says Inna Tymchenko, head of the Young Ecologists club.
The Kinburn NGO is convinced that environmental education for young people is an investment in the future of Mykolaiv. Students who are now learning to understand and care for the environment will be able to make informed decisions and protect their city in the future.
The publication was prepared by NGO Kinburn within the framework of the Impulse Project implemented by the International Renaissance Foundation and the East Europe Foundation with funding from Norway (Norad) and Sweden (Sida). The contents do not necessarily reflect the position of the International Renaissance Foundation, the East Europe Foundation, the Government of Norway and the Government of Sweden.
