Educational traveling exibition in Dubrovnik-Neretva County schools
The traveling exhibition, consisting of five educational posters, began its tour of schools in Dubrovnik-Neretva County in October 2024, accompanied by the workshop "The Story of the River Turtle." The goal is to introduce children to the Balkan Terrapin, a hidden treasure of their local nature, with guidance from educators of the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
So far, the Balkan Terrapin has been introduced to students at OŠ Cavtat, OŠ Ivana Gundulića in Dubrovnik, OŠ Montovjerna, OŠ Lapad (whose students also visited Majkovi pond), and OŠ Slano. Currently, the exhibition is set up at OŠ Ston, after which it will continue its journey to reach as many new pond keepers as possible.
On the posters, the river turtle Mara explains the importance of freshwater habitats, with a particular focus on ponds in the Mediterranean region. Children learn how to recognize her, distinguish her from other turtles, where and how she lives, and what threats her survival faces. They also learn how they can contribute to her conservation.
The posters are also available on this website under the Materials section.
The key messages of the exhibition and workshops emphasize the importance of preserving natural habitats:
- Do not take or disturb protected species.
- Do not fill in or fence off ponds, canals, and watercourses.
- Act responsibly with exotic turtles to avoid endangering native species like the Balkan Terrapin and European pond turtles.
The greatest threats to the Balkan Terrapin include habitat degradation, pond overgrowth, watercourse channelization, illegal use of fish traps, and the presence of invasive alien species. Through the exhibition and workshops, children learn how everyone can contribute to the conservation of this endangered species and its natural environment.
