Podgorica, (MINA) – Environmental awareness among the youngest in Montenegro is not at the appropriate level and needs to be systematically improved, interlocutors of the MINA News Agency assessed, adding that education in the field of nature protection should be much more intensive in primary and secondary schools.

Biologist Bogic Gligorovic said in an interview with the MINA News Agency that the level of environmental awareness among students is much lower compared to previous generations due to the reduction of biology curriculum.

“Which represents a significant problem over the last seven or eight years, there are certain projects that have had a positive impact on the level of awareness among students, but this is insufficient”, Gligorovic added.

Executive director of the NGO Green home Azra Vukovic said that it is important that environmental protection education programs start from kindergarten.

She said that through working with young people, she saw that their attitude towards nature and natural resources is not appropriate.

Vukovic believes that the educational segment is one of the most responsible for raising awareness about nature protection.

“Regardless of the fact that we consider ourselves an ecological state, this in not reflected in our actions either among children and young people, the general public, let alone the decision-makers who should address these issues in a much more serious manner”, said Vukovic.

When asked environmental awareness among young people could be improved through phones and social networks, Vukovic said that the connection with nature happens in nature.

“Connecting with nature must happen in practical classes, in parks, in protected areas. Children must feel what it’s like when you get dirty, what it’s like when you fall, what it’s like when you stay somewhere and truly connect with nature”, Vukovic said.

Gligorovic also pointed out that children spend less and less time in nature because they are mostly focused on urban centers and lifestyle.