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The objective was to primarily educate educational experts on the methods of work in forest pedagogy that they will further implement in their work with children. We intend to raise awareness of t...

The objective was to primarily educate educational experts on the methods of work in forest pedagogy that they will further implement in their work with children. We intend to raise awareness of the importance of FP for the healthy development of children and to introduce project partners (PPs) and the public to all the benefits of forest pedagogy. Existing examples of good practices in forest pedagogy were presented through the project so PPs learned about different approaches and models of implementing FP. There was a knowledge transfer of experienced partners to less experienced in order to strengthen their competences as future forest pedagogues. We organized forest pedagogy seminars not only for PPs but also for external participants. Educational institutions and other interested parties were invited, with the aim of professional development of educators in the field of FP. Through the project, we established a network of forest pedagogues in Croatia and Slovenia and international cooperation as well. Our goal was to jointly initiate the development of structured education and a training for forest pedagogues through the development of training modules and educational materials for education of future forest pedagogues.

Through the project, we carried out 5 activities: 1. International training in forest pedagogy and learning about good practices (27 and 28 March 2024 in Ljubljana) Lectures and workshops on FP, visits to examples of good practices, a seminar on FP was organized with 25 external participants. 2. Education of future forest pedagogy educators in Istria (22 and 23 May 2024 in Buzet) 50 external participants in the FP seminar. The workshops held by PPs; Forestry Institute and MF Istria members. Visited examples of good practices in FP. 3. Education of future forest pedagogy educators in Lika (22 and 23 October 2024 in Gospic) Visited examples of good practices in FP. 10 external participants attended the FP seminar. Workshops held by less experienced PPs that got educated during the project and are strengthening their competencies through practical implementation. Lecture by expert on working with children with developmental disabilities in the application of FP activities. 4. Creation of an e-manual for the education of educators Composed of 3 chapters; Forestry/ Pedagogy and lifelong learning/ Forest pedagogy. 5. Final project conference in Istria (25 March 2025 in Pazin) A FP seminar was held with 80 external participants.

The project resulted in the following outcomes and results: - Education and strengthening of the competences of a large number of teachers and educators who will implement the FP methods in their future work. Around 300 participants educated in the frame of our FP seminars. - PPs have integrated gained theoretical and practical knowledge into the work program of their own institutions. A school and a kindergarten initiated a continuous FP program with children as a result od the project activities and an expertise gained in the project. - An interactive e-manual "In the Forest as in the Classroom" was created for education of educators in forest pedagogy. It brings comprehensive knowledge of forestry, pedagogy and forest pedagogy with numerous practical examples for direct implementation. - The project activities were well covered by the media in Istria, Lika and Slovenia, informing the entire public about the benefits of FP for the healthy development of children and thus contributing to raising awareness about the importance of structured children's play in the forest. - The project established a network of forest pedagogues in Croatia and Slovenia and strengthened international cooperation of the partners.