Celebrating World Forest Day and World Water Day

For years, the Krka National Park has been actively participating in celebrating important dates in nature protection, among which the World Day of Forests and World Day of Water occupy a prominent place. These days represent an opportunity to raise awareness about the significance of natural resources and the importance of their protection.

World Forest Day – Forests and Food

The World Forest Day or International Day of Forests is celebrated on 21 March and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of all types of forests. This year’s theme of the Forest Day – Forests and Food – highlights their crucial role in food security, nutrition, and means of living/livelihoods.

In the Krka National Park, we marked that day with a workshop at Skradinski buk waterfall, attended by 1^st grade students from the Tin Ujević Elementary School in Šibenik. Through a guided walk along the educational trail, we introduced the students to all forms of forest communities and explained the importance of forests as a natural “supermarket”.

Students were able to learn how forests provide food, purify the air, regulate climate conditions, and provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species. Through practical activities, they also learned about different types of trees, as well as various plants and animals that inhabit the Krka National Park area.

World Water Day – Glacier Conservation

International Water Day, which is celebrated on 22 March, had the theme of glacier conservation this year, to emphasize the importance of protecting frozen water as a resource crucial to humanity’s future.

The Krka National Park marked that day with an interactive educational workshop “A Drop for a Waterfall”, held in three elementary schools: the Homeland Gratitude Elementary School in Knin, the Catholic Elementary School in Šibenik and the Regional School in Raslina, thus covering the entire course of the Krka River. Students from the 1^st to 4^th grades participated in the workshop.

The workshop content was adapted to the Nature and Society educational curriculum, and its goal was to raise awareness among the youngest about the importance of conserving drinking water. Students learned about the water cycle, the importance of the Krka River for the ecosystem and humankind, and the challenges posed by climate change and the melting of glaciers.

Special emphasis was placed on the responsible use of water and measures to reduce its pollution, in order that we could all jointly contribute to the sustainable management of this important resource. The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was also highlighted, which is one of the main steps in slowing global warming and preventing glacier loss.

By celebrating World Forest Day and World Water Day, the Krka National Park aims to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of nature protection, and to encourage them to take a responsible approach to the environment. Such activities contribute to a better understanding of the role of forests and waters in preserving a healthy ecosystem, which is a prerequisite for the quality of life of both current and future generations.