The cross-border partners of the project “Carpathian Forest Schools: Pilot Cooperation for Nature Conservation and Environmental Education” have summarized the results of a follow-up (control) sociological survey on informal environmental education and public environmental awareness conducted within the framework of the project. The project is co-financed by the European Union under the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020.
The baseline sociological survey was carried out at the initial stage of the project. It covered Ivano-Frankivsk region in Ukraine and Maramureș County in Romania, the project’s target areas. The research aimed to assess opinions on the current state and development prospects of informal environmental education in the target regions. The study also sought to (1) evaluate respondents’ attitudes and understanding of the value of biodiversity, related issues and needs; (2) determine the level of local community engagement in biodiversity conservation and environmental education; and (3) assess the potential and capacity of local residents in these areas.
In Ivano-Frankivsk region, the survey was conducted in 27 mountain settlements across the present-day Kosiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kalush, Kolomyia, Nadvirna, and Verkhovyna districts; in Maramureș County, it was conducted in 10 localities (communes) within the Maramureș Mountains Nature Park.
At the start of the project (first survey phase), 859 respondents were interviewed, including residents of mountain communities, education staff, environmental sector representatives, and entrepreneurs. At the project’s conclusion, 837 residents and representatives of the same target groups were surveyed again. This provided insights into community understanding of biodiversity’s value, related problems and needs, and other key factors affecting nature conservation in the target regions.
Based on the first survey’s findings, the partners launched awareness campaigns to increase knowledge about biodiversity in the target regions. In Ukraine, a youth initiative and idea contest “For Me, Biodiversity Is…” was organized under the hashtag #CarpathianForestSchool. Nine of the submitted initiatives were implemented with project support. Additionally, seven other environmental events under the same hashtag were carried out, including bio-picnics, workshops, eco-lessons, summer camps, street actions, and awareness campaigns. A number of online publications and flash mobs were also developed and disseminated. All initiatives aimed to encourage people to see biodiversity as a personal value worth preserving and enhancing. The awareness campaign in Ukraine engaged 759 participants, and social media posts reached over 42,000 people.
The repeat sociological survey in Romania showed positive trends: over 52% of residents in the mountain areas of Maramureș view biodiversity as a source of pride. Compared to the baseline, 80% more respondents noted that their area offers opportunities to preserve the unique nature of the Carpathians. Most Romanian respondents also expressed willingness to sponsor educational activities.
In Ukraine, however, the follow-up survey revealed that most residents still remain outside public environmental initiatives, with only about one in five respondents actively involved. At the same time, the share of respondents recognizing the economic benefits of biodiversity increased, but the number viewing it as a platform for environmental education remained very low. Ukrainian respondents also showed declining trust in the media and authorities regarding environmental issues, instead relying more on neighbors and close contacts. This is likely linked to Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, shifts in values and priorities regarding personal security and safe environments, and a focus on war-related news. Moreover, in recent months, charitable giving and sponsorship have significantly shifted away from educational programs toward direct support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Therefore, improving public perception of environmental education in Ukraine may require waiting for more favorable times, while continuing to contribute to Ukraine’s victory over the aggressor state.
The surveys are an integral part of the project, providing a factual and informational basis for further implementation and ensuring the sustainability of its results. The project team is ready to share the research findings with state and local authorities, environmental institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and educational establishments – including for the development of programs and strategies, environmental policies, educational curricula, textbooks, manuals, and scientific research. Consolidated information (reports on the baseline and follow-up surveys) is available on the website of the project’s lead partner – the Tourist Association of Ivano-Frankivsk Region: www.taif.org.ua.
Communication responsible – Lada Malaniy, Project PR expert, email: office@taif.org.ua, +380507252863.
The Project “Carpathian Forest Schools – Pilot Cooperation for Nature Conservation and Environmental Education” is implemented by the Tourist Association of Ivano-Frankivsk Region under the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENI Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 and is co-financed by the European Union. The project partners are Department of regional development and construction of Dolyna district state administration and Vyhoda Village Council in Ukraine and the NFA ROMSILVA – Administration of Maramures Mountains Nature Park in Romania. The Project lasts till July 2022 and the territory of its implementation covered the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine and the Maramures county of Romania.
This project release has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union and the Programme. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the Tourist Association of Ivano-Frankivsk region and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Managing Authority/ Joint Technical Secretariat or the European Union.
