The pilot phase of the new Eco Patrols programme has begun at the Lovre Montin Secondary School in Knin, as reported in a press release. This is a continuation of the successful versions of the programme that originated in Murter, and which are now implemented in several European countries.
Eco Patrols were developed within the Erasmus+ project 'Eco Patrols – Boost Its Green Goals'. In the project, alongside the Argonauta association, organisations from Spain, Romania, North Macedonia, and Greece are participating. During the first year of the project, experts in non-formal education from all partner organisations worked on developing a joint handbook presenting eight thematic modules for work with young people.
The topics covered by the handbook include the interdependence of Earth's systems, the circular economy, fast fashion, digital waste, eco-emotions, and greenwashing, among other current issues related to sustainable living. The programme is currently being piloted in all five partner countries, with the aim of involving approximately 20 young people per country. In Croatia, the pilot is being conducted in Knin, where biology and chemistry teacher Marijana Zaninović is working with the students.
This project is a continuation of the previous Eco Patrols project, which concluded two years ago. In the previous project, the Argonauta was joined by partners from Hungary, Italy, and Serbia. The good practice of Eco Patrols originated as a local initiative in Murter, but has now expanded to seven European countries.
An e-game, 'Eco Patrols in 24 Zones', was developed in the previous project. In the current project, the game is being further developed with real-life challenges, and instructions for its use in education are being developed. The materials will be available to teachers, educators, and other professionals working with young people after the pilot phase is completed.
