Earth Day 2026: Activities Supporting Biodiversity and Environmental Education

Earth Day, which is celebrated annually on April 22, this year has the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”. It draws attention to the fact that environmental protection does not begin at the policy level, but above all in the everyday decisions of people, communities and organizations.

In Slovakia, this idea is also being translated into concrete activities. As part of the second Swiss contribution – Swiss–Slovak Cooperation Programme – a support measure is being implemented aimed at nature conservation, biodiversity and sustainable tourism in protected areas. All national park administrations, the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic, non-governmental organizations, and the National Forestry Center are involved.

On the occasion of Earth Day, the National Park Administrations of the Low Tatras, Veľká Fatra, Slovenský raj, Slovenský kras and Poloniny have prepared a series of educational activities for children. These will take place in kindergartens and primary schools in Martin, Snina, Rožňava, Poproč and Jablonov nad Turnou, as well as in the social services home in Pohorelská Maša and at the waste collection yard in Plešivec. Volunteers will also participate in cleaning the Hornád river basin during the weekend.

Non-governmental organizations are also participating in the activities. The civic association LES will prepare education for schoolchildren in Kráľovská Ľubela and the civic association Lesmír will organize an environmental event for schoolchildren in Pohronská Polhora.

Through lectures and interactive activities, these projects lead children to behave responsibly towards nature and emphasize the importance of protecting biodiversity.