Engaging children with developmental disorders: “A Superpower to Defend Nature”

“Our planet supports the diversity of life in all its forms” – this is the key message behind the UNDP | UNEP awarded Erasmus+ project “A Superpower to Defend Nature” that engages children with developmental disorders in environmental activism and nature activities, bringing together special education teachers, outdoor education animators, and families, with the shared goal of protecting our natural environment.

The project is coordinated by the Ornithological Society of Malta (BirdLife Malta), in collaboration with the MIO-ECSDE member organisation Greek Ornithological Society / BirdLife Greece, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Malta), the Spanish Ornithological Society SEO / BirdLife Spain, the Italian Ornithological Society LIPU / BirdLife Italy, the Foundation for the Protection of Children and Youth with Developmental Disorders “Theotokos” and the Italian Association for People with Down Syndrome “Onlus” of Pisa. Various guides will become available for all involved agencies and groups, providing tools to engage more children in environmental education and activism.

On the 10th of November 2024, an inspiring excursion to the wetland of Vravrona (close to Athens, Greece) was successfully organized by the Greek Ornithological Society, with over 40 children on the autistic spectrum participating. Accompanied by their caregivers, the children enjoyed nature activities and observed wetland birds using provided equipment, exploring the natural world around them.

Just before, on the 6th of November, a productive meeting took place between the Greek Ornithological Society and MIO-ECSDE who is coordinating another Erasmus + project: Physical and Augmented Reality for Climate Change Education (PAARCE). Both projects share a common focus on experiential actions on environment, diversity, and inclusion and the meeting explored exchanges and synergies.

At the end of the project (February 2025), the children will showcase their passion through inspirational videos on a platform where they will feel seen and heard.

Read in French here