From 28 to 30 July 2025, the quiet Masurian lakes became a setting for meaningful learning and cross-border collaboration. As part of the “Water Ecological Network” project, the event brought together 30 participants — 24 young people and 6 STEM educators — from Poland and Lithuania for three days of outdoor activities, environmental learning, and shared action.
The event combined practical education with real contributions to nature protection. It also included the presentation of the newly built Ecological Education Centre in Sołtmany, developed and equipped within the project.
“We have beautiful lakes, and we want them to remain this way for generations to come,” said Magdalena Fuk, President of the Management Board of the Foundation for the Protection of the Great Masurian Lakes. “Thanks to modern tools like our new water drone – the only one of its kind in Poland – we can better protect these waters and engage young people in caring for their future.”
🌱 Programme highlights
- Educational boat cruise on board the “Dźwina”, exploring lakes Kisajno and Dargin, learning about biodiversity and modern water monitoring
- Demonstratios of water drone and mobile monitoring equipment
- Water quality testing
- A “Zero Waste” culinary workshop
- Evening discussions, reflection sessions, and a campfire
☔ Changes due to weather
Persistent rain on 29 July forced the organisers to replace part of the planned outdoor activities with an educational visit to the Masurian Center for Biodiversity and Education “KUMAK”.
Participants explored interactive exhibitions and joined workshops about caddisflies – small aquatic insects that build unique shelters in their larval stage. Guided by experts, they learned about these fascinating species, searched for them in aquariums, and even created their own “caddisfly homes” out of clay.
💧 Tackling Shared Challenges
The “Water Ecological Network” project addresses major environmental issues affecting both sides of the Lithuania–Poland border, including:
- Water pollution and habitat degradation
- Climate impacts on lakes and rivers
- Lack of effective local water management
To address these, the project focuses on:
✅ Improving water quality
✅ Using modern water monitoring technology (drone, buoys, sensors)
✅ Promoting sustainable practices (e.g., eco transport, waste reduction)
✅ Enhancing green infrastructure
✅ Raising environmental awareness
The event — together with the opening of the Ecological Education Centre in Sołtmany — is just one example of how these goals are turned into action on the ground.
🤝 Partners Working Across Borders
The initiative is jointly implemented by:
- Foundation for the Protection of the Great Masurian Lakes (Poland) – Lead Partner
- Kruklanki Commune (Poland)
- Trakai District Municipality Administration (Lithuania)
🗓 Project duration: 1 March 2024 – 28 February 2026
💶 ERDF co-financing: approx. €594,460
The mix of meaningful fieldwork, informal learning, and international cooperation made the event unique. Young people and educators worked side by side, testing water quality, exploring biodiversity, and discussing real environmental challenges — even when the rain required adjustments to the plan.