Written by: Valentina Galantari, HUB-CR

Students Explore Nature-Based Solutions for Local Environmental Challenges

ᴇNᴀBʟS’ Czech Living Lab (LL) is supporting local education and awareness activities by engaging students in discussions on practical, nature-based approaches to environmental challenges. Within this framework, BIOEAST HUB CR (HUB-CR), who is leading the Czech LL, contributed to the annual Science and Technology Week at Matiční Gymnasium in Ostrava—an event that connects secondary-school education with scientific practice, innovation, and real-world examples from experts.

Throughout the week, students took part in lectures, workshops, and demonstrations of modern scientific tools. ᴇNᴀBʟS’ session presented examples of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and introduced the concepts of biodiversity, climate resilience, soil health, and clean water. These topics were discussed as part of the project’s aim to support dialogue and share evidence about how communities can work with natural processes. ᴇNᴀBʟS does not prescribe any policies; its focus is on knowledge exchange and learning.

A key activity of the event was the launch of the ᴇNᴀBʟS Student Competition, which encourages students to reflect on environmental topics in their region and to suggest ideas inspired by nature. The competition supports critical and creative thinking and provides a space for students to express their own views. To guide their reflections, students were invited to consider:

• Which environmental topics are most relevant to their surroundings;
• How natural processes could inspire practical solutions;
• Whether they have noticed changes in local biodiversity and how ecosystems could be supported;
• Which improvements they would prioritise with support from local institutions;
• How schools, municipalities, or businesses might contribute to such ideas;
• How their region could look in the future if nature-positive approaches were applied.

Students can submit their proposals individually or in small teams until 22 December 2025. After the submission period, the most innovative ideas will be reviewed and awarded in cooperation with the Moravian-Silesian Regional Chamber of Commerce, with results announced in January 2026.

“Our aim is to provide a space where students can explore different perspectives and better understand how nature-based solutions work,” ᴇNᴀBʟS’ HUB-CR team noted. “We are here to support learning and exchange, not to promote or mandate specific policies.”

The event demonstrated strong collaboration between secondary schools, VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava, the University of Ostrava’s Faculty of Medicine, the Moravian-Silesian Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other local actors. Through the Czech Living Lab, ᴇNᴀBʟS’ team continues to support education, dialogue, and community participation in topics related to biodiversity and sustainability, highlighting how evidence and cooperation can help inform future regional initiatives.