Learning from Türkiye: Engaging Learners Through the LEAF Festival
How can environmental education move beyond the classroom and become a memorable experience for children?
In Denizli, Türkiye, 600 learners and 70 educators participated in a large-scale nature education festival focused on ecological agriculture and biodiversity.
Held in Çamlık Park in May 2026, the festival transformed a public green space into a vibrant outdoor learning environment. Learners from 30 schools explored nature through 25 interactive workshops. Activities included birdwatching, beekeeping, compost production, local seed conservation, biodiversity exploration, and the creation of crafts using natural materials.
Rather than learning about ecosystems through theory alone, participants engaged directly with nature, developing practical knowledge and a stronger connection to their local environment.
The event was organised through collaboration between the Denizli Provincial Directorate of National Education, TÜRÇEV, LEAF educators, forestry authorities, schools, and local sponsors. This multi-stakeholder approach enabled the programme to reach many learners while creating a shared commitment to environmental education.
The festival demonstrates how LEAF can serve as a platform for bringing together schools, educators, local authorities, and community partners to create meaningful environmental learning experiences. It also highlights the important role of LEAF educators in translating sustainability concepts into engaging, hands-on activities for children.
LEAF is coordinated in Türkiye by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Türkiye (TÜRÇEV) since 2004 and is currently active in 720 schools across 47 provinces.
