Let's Protect the Leopards! - Environmental Camp 2021

The 2021 ecological summer camp was successfully held from July 14-16. Organized by IDEA Public Union, the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijan representative office of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the traditional "Let's Protect the Leopards!" ecological summer camp took place with the support of the Masalli District Executive Power.

On the first day of the camp, which was attended by about 60 local schoolchildren, participants received extensive information about the lifestyle of leopards, the history of their presence in Azerbaijan, their habitats, and their role in the ecosystem. The children participated in various competitions and knowledge contests related to biodiversity. Additionally, the documentary film "The Most Wanted Leopard in the World," shot by nature photographer and director Adrian Stern, was screened, along with animated films about the Sustainable Development Goals and ecosystem services.

On the second and third days of the camp, an excursion to Hirkan National Park was organized for the participants. There, inter-team ecological games and studies on identifying leopards and other species based on footprints took place. Schoolchildren received practical training on creating a map of the area, organizing proper shelters in forest areas, and learning about safety rules.

At the end of the camp, certificates and souvenirs were presented to the participants.

Since 2014, IDEA Public Union has organized annual camps focused on the environment and biodiversity. During this period, approximately 500 schoolchildren from regions including Salyan, Neftchala, Goranboy, Samukh, Gakh, Sheki, Masalli, Jalilabad, Yardimli, Lankaran, Astara, Goygol, Lerik, Gabala, and Ismayilli have participated in these camps.

The purpose of the camps is to educate young people about ecology, foster a sense of care for nature, inform schoolchildren living near areas inhabited by Caucasian leopards about this rare species, and promote its protection.