"Let's Protect the Beavers!" ecological summer camp – Lerik
On June 8-10, within the framework of the "Conservation of Caucasian Leopards" project, the IDEA Public Union, the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republican Children and Youth Development Center under the Ministry of Education, and the Azerbaijan representation of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), with the support of the Executive Power of Lerik District, organized the next ecological summer camp titled "Let's Protect the Leopards!" The camp, attended by nearly 60 schoolchildren from Lerik district, took place in the village of Qosmalian, Lerik district.
The main goal of the "Let's Protect the Leopards!" summer camp is to inform young people living near the natural habitats of the Caucasian leopard about this rare species and to promote its conservation, to educate them on environmental issues from school age, and to foster a sense of respect and care for nature.
On the first day of the camp, participants received extensive information about the lifestyle, habitats, and role of leopards in nature. They took part in seminars on the conservation of this rare species, presentations on the causes of population decline, various ecological research activities and competitions, as well as knowledge contests on biodiversity.
On the second day of the camp, an excursion was organized for the participants to the Zuvand State Nature Reserve, including the Guneshli waterfall. Afterwards, the youth engaged in practical work on identifying animal tracks and plant species.
On the third day of the camp, schoolchildren watched the documentary film "The Most Wanted Leopard in the World," filmed by nature photographer and director Adrian Stern. Later, an ecological game titled "Let's Protect the Leopards" was held. During the game, participants were divided into teams and tried to find ways to save leopards from illegal hunting.
At the end of the camp, participants were presented with certificates and commemorative gifts.
It should be noted that the "Conservation of Caucasian Leopards" project is implemented within the framework of joint cooperation between the IDEA Public Union, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the WWF Azerbaijan representation. While the project focuses on the restoration and conservation of Caucasian leopard populations, one of its main directions is to increase public awareness. In this regard, such summer camps organized for schoolchildren are of great importance.
These camps are organized in regions where the relevant fauna species are found and for schoolchildren living in those areas. During previous summer months, three-day summer camps were held in the districts of Masalli, Lerik, Salyan, Qakh, Gabala, and Ismayilli, with nearly 600 schoolchildren participating.
