The Biodiversity through Geocatching workshop was an interactive outdoor workshop designed to promote biodiversity awareness through experiential learning. Held on the Kathikas trail in Paphos, the activity combined geocaching techniques with species identification and sustainability practices. Participants engaged in exploration-based challenges that encouraged teamwork, navigation, and responsible interaction with the natural environment, while deepening their understanding of local ecosystems.
Objectives:
- To increase participants’ knowledge of local biodiversity and species identification.
- To encourage exploration and experiential learning in natural environments.
- To promote sustainable habits, including recycling and environmental responsibility.
- To develop practical skills such as navigation, teamwork, and basic outdoor survival techniques.
Desired outcomes:
- Participants will develop a solid understanding of biodiversity and the importance of environmental conservation.
- Learners will build a stronger connection with nature through exploration and hands-on outdoor activities.
- Participants will adopt positive sustainability habits, including proper recycling and responsible behaviour in natural environments.
- Learners will enhance practical skills such as navigation, teamwork, and basic survival techniques through geocaching challenges.
Description and Implementation:
Teams received a set of species cards and used geocaching-style coordinates or clues to navigate the area and locate the target species. They photographed each find and uploaded it to iNaturalist for identification, earning points for every species identified and for collecting trash along the way. After 45 minutes of exploration, teams returned to the workshop base, where the facilitator gathered the results and led a discussion on which species were rare, how many were familiar beforehand, and what unusual things they discovered.
Feedback:
- Participants reported increased awareness of local biodiversity and a better understanding of species identification.
- Many enjoyed the geocaching-style exploration, noting it made learning more engaging and interactive.
- Teams appreciated the hands-on approach to environmental conservation, including trash collection and sustainability practices.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The Biodiversity through Geocaching workshop successfully met its objectives by creating an engaging learning experience that combined environmental education with practical outdoor skills. Participants demonstrated increased awareness of biodiversity, strong engagement with conservation practices, and enthusiasm for discovery through geocaching activities. The positive outcomes underline the effectiveness of hands-on, nature-based learning approaches and provide valuable insights for future STELLA project activities, particularly in enhancing challenge levels and allowing additional time for reflection and discussion.