Second Carpathian ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) Seminar was held in Zakopane, Poland, from 28 to 30 September 2022. The aim of the seminar was to find appropriate way to connect different interested parties which exist in the Carpathian Region, from academia, universities, business, national/local authorities, protected areas manager and civil society organization, to promote different activities under the Carpathian Convention, in order to become core activities of the Carpathian ESD Expert network.

The field trip as accompanying activity was demonstration of ecological education in the national parks in Poland, with a focus on the Tatra National Park.

Introductory presentation on the Carpathian ESD process to-date: Carpathian Convention networks report; UNECE SC on ESD, UNECE and UNESCO frameworks and how Carpathian Convention is related, were done by representatives of UNEP Vienna Office, Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention.

Participants from all Carpathian countries: Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Serbia discussed of results in national groups,  based on target group (teachers, NGOs, policy-makers, scientists), on implementing and leading specific activities of the Carpathian ESD Network. EASD representative participated.

Some of the question raised were: How can the Carpathian Convention be promoted via these activities?, How are the Carpathian ESD activities contributing to the implementation of UNECE and UNESCO strategies?, What are the needs of each group of participants in implementing and planning Carpathian ESD-related activities, which can help to be addressed together?

The main conclusion from this ESD Seminar will be presented at the Environment for Europe Conference, which will be held in Cyprus, from October 5 to 7, 2022.