Project Description:
“Community Engagement for Wetland Conservation – Persina4Danube” is a 7-month initiative in Persina Nature Park, Bulgaria, supported by the IMPETUS Accelerator. The project mobilises local communities—especially children—through citizen science activities such as biodiversity and water quality monitoring. Highlights include the Persina Edu Summer Camp 2025, where children aged 7–12 explore habitats, learn to identify species, and gain hands-on conservation experience. Additional activities include a volunteer-led wetland clean-up and two stakeholder meetings at local schools to share outcomes and inspire replication. The project promotes inclusive participation, environmental awareness, and long-term stewardship of the Danube wetlands. Coordinated by the Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative and part of the DANUBEPARKS network, Persina4Danube has strong potential for scaling across 20 Protected Areas in 9 Danube countries.
Project Type: Kick Starting
Theme:Resource Management
Mentor: Ilidio Andre
Persina4Danube: Community Action for Wetland Conservation
Wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems in Europe, and the Danube River is no exception. With its rich biodiversity and unique mosaic of islands, channels, and floodplains, Persina Nature Park (Bulgaria) plays a crucial role in safeguarding this natural heritage. Our project, Community Engagement for Wetland Conservation – Persina4Danube, brought together young people, local communities, scientists, and nature-protection professionals to reconnect people with this fragile ecosystem and empower them to act for its protection.
Bird monitoring, Persina Edu Summer Camp 2025 – credit: DANUBEPARKS
What we did and where we worked
The project was carried out in Persina Nature Park, part of the internationally recognised Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative and the DANUBEPARKS network of protected areas across nine countries. Over seven months, our team organised a series of activities to build knowledge and understanding, and to foster long-term care for wetlands.
A central highlight was the Persina Edu Summer Camp 2025, where 19 children (including participants with special educational needs) aged 7–12 spent four days exploring wetland habitats. They learned to identify species, conducted simple biodiversity monitoring, and discovered the vital ecological role of wetlands. We also organised community awareness events and a large volunteer clean-up along the Danube wetlands.
Theoretical training, Persina Edu Summer Camp 2025 – credit: DANUBEPARKS
Why this work matters
Persina’s wetlands are home to globally significant bird species, amphibians, aquatic plants, and dynamic island habitats. Yet they face increasing pressure from pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Engaging communities—especially young people—is essential: understanding fosters care, and care builds long-term stewardship.
Our project applied the AEIOU model, with a particular focus on Understanding. Participants not only learned about wetlands but experienced them firsthand: measuring water quality, observing birds, exploring reedbeds, and discovering floodplain forests. This direct participation allowed them to form their own perspectives and become active ambassadors for conservation.
What IMPETUS provided
With support from the IMPETUS Accelerator, our team received mentoring, citizen-science training, and communication guidance. This strengthened our monitoring tools, improved our educational approach, and gave us confidence to scale the activities to broader audiences. We also benefited from joining a European community dedicated to participatory science and environmental engagement
A personal voice
”“The children learned how wetlands breathe, change and respond — and many told me this was the first time they felt like real scientists. And want to experience it again.”
— Velichka Petkova, lecturer, Persina Edu Summer Camp 2025
Water sample testing, Persina Edu Summer Camp 2025 – credit: DANUBEPARKS
What’s next
Persina4Danube has already attracted interest from other protected areas in the DANUBEPARKS network. Our next step is to share the model across the Danube Region, encouraging the replication of summer camps, citizen-science monitoring, and community activities. Locally, we will continue working with schools in Belene and Svishtov and aim to expand our youth education programme into an annual initiative.
By building awareness, sparking curiosity, and deepening understanding, Persina4Danube lays the groundwork for long-term community involvement in wetland conservation — in Bulgaria and beyond.
