Project name:
Fly away with me
Project duration
15/03/2020 -14/08/2021
Total project budget:9 775 €
Association Biom budget: Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes: 9 775 €
Lead beneficiary:
Association Biom
Project partners:
Polska Fundacja im. Roberta Schumana
Contact:
Đina Nola, djina.nola[at]biom.hr, voditelj projekta
Project goals:
To develop the participant into an active European citizen able to work in solidarity towards a future of sustainability and the protection of the natural world, as well as strengthen their capabilities and confidence in terms of personal and professional attributes which will be valuable to them well in the future.
To bring the nature protection movement to a broader audience and inspire them to dedicate their energies to improving the world in a sustainable and inclusive way, as well as promote international solidarity with other NGOs as they are united in the trans-border challenges of nature conservation and youth work.
Project summary
In 2020, a young volunteer from Poland joined Biom for a one-year European Solidarity Corps project Fly away with me. Through this experience, she became involved in nature conservation, non-formal education and public outreach work, while also developing her own personal and professional skills.
As part of the project, she contributed to a range of activities, including fieldwork focused on bird and mammal monitoring, habitat restoration, volunteer coordination and scientific data processing. She also created educational and promotional materials, both for digital platforms and public events, and supported Biom’s outreach and communication work. One of her most valued contributions was a professionally designed brochure on the most commonly ringed birds on Ornithological camp Učka, which will continue to be used in future bird ringing camps. Another was an educational workshop on bird bones, addressing the issue of illegal or accidental killing of wild birds – a workshop that has since become a regular part of Biom’s environmental education program.
The volunteer also took part in skills development activities, Croatian language learning, first aid and public speaking workshops. These experiences helped her build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and improve her overall employability, especially in the nature conservation sector. In fact, she later took part in the selection process for new volunteers, creating a guide with practical advice for young people applying for ESC or job opportunities.
Her presence helped Biom improve its local programming as well. She supported public birdwatching and night wildlife tours in Zagreb, and contributed to volunteer camps in Učka Nature Park. She also translated a hiking guide for Risnjak National Park, making it more accessible for foreign visitors.
Over the course of the year, the project contributed at multiple levels – from concrete conservation actions to raising awareness and building a more connected and environmentally conscious community.
Materials and publications
