Majorca 8-10 May - Imiberg School, Bergamo

Students from the Imiberg school in Bergamo travelled to Palma de Mallorca on 8 May for the Pilot Trip of the EU WeMed Na_TOUR project that took them to Spain.

Upon arrival, the students participated in the 'Wildlife and Conservation' workshop, held in the hotel by their teachers. The seminar included a discussion on the principles of ecotourism and the importance of responsible travel practices. In the presence of experts, attention was also paid to topics such as reducing environmental impact, respecting local cultures and supporting ecosystem conservation efforts.

In the afternoon, a visit to Parque Natural S’Albufera allowed the students to explore and learn about the area's diverse ecosystems and unique habitats, including wetlands, marshes and forests, migratory birds and endemic plant species. The emotions experienced while observing and listening to the surroundings were extensively documented in photos, drawings and written pieces.

The students, guests in the ecological classroom of Mallorca's S'Albufera Natural Park, later attended a lecture led by representatives of the Fundació Arrels Marines on wildlife conservation efforts in the Albufera Natural Reserve, with a focus on the protection of posidonia oceanica meadows. Questions and comments turned the spotlight on challenges and threats to local fauna and habitats.

The next day in Valldemossa, the students embarked on an adventurous hike to explore the mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. Led by experts, the schoolchildren walked along trails to discover different ecosystems, including forests, mountain streams and limestone cliffs and, while observing the native flora and fauna, they learnt about the interconnections between species within these habitats and the importance of preserving natural environments.

The lessons on ‘Ecosystems and Habitats’ involved them working in small groups to photograph and list all the organisms identified, and to ascertain their species and conservation status by using the Internet. All the information was included in a series of slides which was then presented in a feedback session.