Educational Centre Dropie Project Presented at the Green Transformation Programme’s Opening Conference

The conference was hosted by the Slovak University of Agriculture (SPU) in Nitra, where representatives of the participating organisations presented their projects. The SPU Creative Centre provided a venue for participants to introduce their projects. The main objective of the Green Transformation Programme was also presented: to support public institutions in preparing for the impacts of climate change and in implementing sustainable solutions in their day-to-day operations. The event was institutionally and legally supported by the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic (MIRRI SR), one of whose responsibilities is the management of EU funds and the coordination of investments.

The opening speeches were delivered by Ingjerd Hauen from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway; Lucia Palšová, Vice-Rector of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra; and Jaroslav Mojžiš, Director of the Department of EEA and Norway Grants and the Swiss Contribution at MIRRI SR. Marco Schmidt from the Technical University of Berlin devoted his keynote presentation to nature-based solutions and sustainable construction. The panel discussion featured experts in science and research: Marco Schmidt from the Technical University of Berlin; Bent Christen Braskerud from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate; and Zuzana Hudeková, an expert in climate change adaptation and green infrastructure. The event was moderated by Attila Tóth from the Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra.

The Educational Centre Dropie project, supported by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism and the state budget of the Slovak Republic, began implementation in September 2026 and will run until April 2031.

At the conference, Katarína Vajliková emphasised that the project aims to develop a universally applicable programme of innovative climate education, combined with practical demonstrations of solutions through the concept of a “BUILDING THAT TEACHES ABOUT CLIMATE”. The Dropie Educational Centre will also serve as a practical demonstration site for energy, water management, nature-based and other climate adaptation and mitigation solutions.

The educational activities will offer a wide range of programmes, including innovative training for teachers, educators, environmental education coordinators and students; outdoor learning programmes for schools; competitions; campaigns; interactive educational features; and other activities.

The reconstruction activities will introduce new adaptation and mitigation measures, including a photovoltaic system, heat pumps, green roofs and green walls, the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, the hygienisation of treated water and its reuse, as well as the development of an outdoor educational space.

Experts, trainers and project specialists will provide information about planned and completed activities through three conferences, as well as via the project website and social media channels.

The first, opening conference of the EC Dropie project will take place on 5 November 2026 at the Dropie Educational Centre, Kolárovská 55, Zemianska Olča. Representatives of the relevant organisations will attend the conference either in person or online, together with the project’s Norwegian partner, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.

“Together for a Green, Democratic and Resilient Europe” is the slogan of the Green Transformation Programme. In the era of climate change, it should serve as a shared driving force for every member of society.

Katarína Vajliková believes that the role of the Dropie Ecocentre in education is to shape attitudes and inspire decisions that lead to positive change. She concluded her presentation with a quote from Jane Goodall, the renowned biologist, anthropologist and nature protector: “Every single day, you make a difference. It is up to you what kind of difference it will be.”