Junior Rangers Engage in Biodiversity Conservation
On March 12-13, the Vidzeme Planning Region, in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia, organized a citizen engagement event as part of the CIBioGo project. The event brought together Junior Rangers from Gauja National Park and the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve to explore biodiversity conservation and the role of human impact on nature.
The event focused on biodiversity conservation and the importance of fostering environmental awareness among the younger generation, who can integrate sustainable habits into their behavior and pass them on to their families.
During the event, young nature enthusiasts explored the rich biodiversity of Vidzeme. They listened to experts from various fields and participated in activities that helped them better understand biodiversity and its conservation.
The Junior Rangers examined the geological processes that have shaped the region since the Devonian period, which are visible today in the striking sandstone outcrops. They also took part in an educational session where they learned about the biodiversity found in forest, river, and edge ecosystems, gaining a deeper understanding of the different habitats and species that thrive there.
In group discussions, the Junior Rangers created idea posters highlighting both threats to biodiversity and actions that can help preserve it. A key takeaway was that every human action has consequences—both positive and negative—and that individuals play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation.
The event concluded with an interactive Kahoot quiz, where participants tested their knowledge of Gauja National Park, the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, and biodiversity-related topics.
All participating Junior Rangers share a common goal – they care about nature conservation and biodiversity. The event provided an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and explore how human actions influence biodiversity. By learning from experts and working together, they gained a deeper understanding of biodiversity and how their actions can make a difference.
The EUROPARC Junior Ranger programme is a non-formal education programme for children and teenagers around the ages of 12 – 18 who are living within or close to the Protected Areas.
Learn more about the Junior Rangers here: https://www.europarc.org/young-people/junior-ranger-programme/