Goals

Problem statement:

The world today is facing complex environmental challenges. Environmental pollution is one of the problematic areas. It creates a chain process and therefore its prevention is difficult, but possible.

Environmental pollution and ecological disasters can be avoided, and the risk reduced, through environmental education.

Proposed Solution:

Geocaching is increasingly being used in environmental education. By combining a technological and geographical component with inputs on nature and environmental issues, environmental awareness raising and knowledge transfer are facilitated in an interactive way, thematic geocaching is fascinating young and old people alike.

In the Lagodekhi protected areas, as a pilot project, we want to use this approach and establish first geocaching trails. Information on different natural processes and systems will be addressed. This will be implemented in 7-10 stations in Lagodekhi Park and along Black Grouse waterfall trail.

Lagodekhi school classes will be invited to a run for a treasure; they have to fill in a worksheet with questions on the things they have learned and give the code for opening a treasure in the visitor centre at the end.

Sustainability:

I work for Lagodekhi Protected Areas and four other employees will be involved in the program. The items and products will be transferred to the management of Lagodekhi protected areas.

The administration will provide product development and ensure its future functioning. The Friends of the Protected Areas will be involved in the presentation of the game to the schools in Lagodekhi. GPS devices will be offered as a rental at the visitor centre for the tourists to have maintenance costs covered. They will be free of charge for school kids.

Geocaching helps knowledge transfer, develop cognitive skills (cooperation in small groups, deriving information from graphics, own small investigation), acquire practical skills (handle GPS receiver, simple chemical tests to test ecosystem integrity) and graduate skills ( e.g. understanding of coordinate system of earth, scrutinizing given information and a set of values).

Equal gender opportunity:

We want the geocaching trail to be open for all boys and girls to use, and adults as well, if they are interested.