Goals

Problem statement:

Population growth has meant that living areas for species is in decline. Some species are in danger, and at least 1000 different kinds of birds and mammals are endangered in Georgia. Protecting birds and animals is the main priority for nature protection.

Protecting the nature is a humanistic issue too. The relationship with the nature shows our spiritual world. It's important to teach children to care for nature from early age. Children in Telavi, especially boys, are encouraged to kill animals and birds instead of care for them. It is part of our culture to demonstrate our strength through killing rather than caring. Hunting and chasing after animals and birds is popular, it is considered to be men’s business.

We want to change this, and we want to change the relationship of children towards living creatures and nature in general.

Proposed Solution:

Penalties and fines do not stop people from killing birds without cultural change. I want to teach others how to care for animals.

I would like to install an outdoor bird feeder in Nadikvari park, buy some food for birds and engage children in feeding the wild birds common in Telavi. I have a feeder in my backyard and take enormous pleasure from it. I believe that when children are involved in taking care of the birds, their attitudes towards them will change, and they will be less likely to chase and kill them.

I will engage the children of two eco clubs of two schools in Telavi: #1 and #3. I have already talked to the teachers heading the eco clubs and they are willing to participate. While we supply the feeder with the seeds and food, I will also teach about the local birds.

As a rugby trainer having a team in Telavi, I will also engage the Kakheti rugby club. We will come to the feeder on a regular basis to bring the supplies, watch the birds, and get to know them. I expect that around 50 children will be involved, both boys and girls as normally the eco clubs include both. Once we install the feeder, we will make a schedule to know who will be responsible for bringing the supplies.

Sustainability:

The feeder will not cause any pollution as wild birds do not normally eat the food on the spot. Rather they take them away to the trees. There is no need to clean the area of the feeder normally. An exception here is coccothaustes, who eat the feed on the spot and it will be interesting for children to watch them. The design of the feeder will be such as to allow the rain to drain down the seen remains to the ground and fertilize the soil. Most likely, we will have to clean the feeder twice a year.

Equal gender opportunity:

The eco clubs have both boys and girls in them, so everyone will learn about the wildlife. My particular target is boys, however, as they are more likely to be taught to kill animals instead of care for them.