Tara Mountain Park – Serbia – 3-4 June 2025
The final event for the Erasmus+ project “Closer to Nature: Hiking in Nature to discover Forestry” took place in the scenic Tara National Park, bringing together project partners for a series of workshops, presentations, and outdoor activities. The event, hosted at the Mountain hut Rastiste, marked the culmination of a collaborative effort to explore sustainable forestry and connect with nature.

The project, co-funded by the European Union, brought together international partners to promote a deeper understanding of forestry ecosystems. The closing event’s agenda was packed with activities designed to share knowledge and celebrate the project’s achievements.

Activities on June 3rd focused on knowledge-sharing and practical learning. The day began with presentations from the hosting organization, MA Tara, and other project partners, who detailed the youth-oriented activities they implemented. In the afternoon, participants visited a local forest area to see firsthand examples of the essential services ecosystems provide.

On June 4th, the focus shifted to public engagement and experiencing the natural beauty of the region. The day started with a public event involving local stakeholders at the Tara National Park headquarters in Bajina Basta. Were the press interviewed us for spreading the project scope:
https://www.prviportal.net/pk-tara-projekat-closer-to-nature-spaja-mlade-edukatore-i-prirodu/
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CFVBrC2tg/

Following this, the group visited the Park’s Info Centre in Mitrovac for a presentation on the national park itself. The highlight of the day was a hike to the spectacular Banjska Stena viewpoint, which offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The day’s activities concluded with a hike back to the Mountain hut Rastiste, reflections on the project, and a joint dinner.

The event successfully blended formal presentations with immersive outdoor experiences, fulfilling the project’s mission to bring people closer to nature. Participants left with a greater appreciation for sustainable forestry and stronger connections with their international partners.

Evaluation:

The “Closer to Nature” project successfully achieved its core mission of creating a meaningful link between outdoor sports and environmental protection for young people. By addressing key issues like youth inactivity and declining environmental consciousness, the initiative delivered significant, measurable impacts across its four participating countries

Key Outcomes and Impacts:

– Increased Youth Engagement and Awareness:
The project engaged over 500 young people aged 10 to 20 in hands-on learning. A significant outcome was the increased environmental awareness among participants, who gained a deeper understanding of ecosystem services, biodiversity, and the role of forests. This will lead to more responsible attitudes and discussions around pro-environmental behaviors.

– Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles:
A key success was the promotion of active, healthy lifestyles. The project effectively encouraged outdoor physical activity, particularly hiking, as a way to improve both mental and physical well-being. Participants have enjoyed spending time outdoors.

– Strengthened Educational Capacity:
The project successfully improved the capacity of partner organizations to deliver environmental education through sport. It provided training and resources for teachers and facilitators, enabling them to continue outdoor education beyond the project’s timeline.

– Development of a Collaborative Network:
The initiative was highly effective in establishing a transnational network for collaboration between organizations in the four partner countries. This network enhanced intercultural dialogue and the exchange of good practices in youth education, sport, and sustainability.

– Community and Resource Development:
The project explored and promoted several local trail routes, which helps foster sustainable tourism and encourages communities to value their nearby natural resources.

Long-Term Vision:

The project is positioned for long-term impact by establishing a replicable model that combines sport and environmental education. Expected lasting effects include more sustainable behavior patterns among youth and strengthened cross-sector cooperation between schools, environmental experts, and youth organizations.

Overall, the “Closer to Nature” project can be evaluated as a successful and impactful initiative that met its objectives, delivering transformative educational experiences and creating a sustainable framework for future environmental action.

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.