On the Transformative Power of Snow Drops

What do the first spring flowers, education, maintaining historical and cultural values, and citizen science have in common? Within the framework of the St. Pölten UAS’ International Week, the Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy (Ukraine) gave a remarkable example of how to successfully combine nature conservation, scientific research, and civic engagement.

“International exchange opens new perspectives, inspires innovative solutions, and fosters stronger collaboration across national borders. Thanks to best-practice projects, we can learn about successful strategies and how to adapt them to act more efficiently and sustainably”, says Daniela Lohner, head of the International Office at the St. Pölten UAS, emphasising the importance of exchange formats across higher education institutions.

How Protecting Snow Drops Led to the Establishment of a National Park

It had all started as an initiative to protect snow drops, but thanks to the enormous commitment of many students, an exciting citizen science initiative was born.
At first, student volunteers and university employees came together in an attempt to protect the flowers from being picked. However, with rising popularity of the region, another issue came to the foreground: instead of protecting the plants directly, raising awareness of nature conservation increasingly gained importance. As more and more visitors and tourists were coming to the region to relax in an idyllic environment, a new danger emerged – the vulnerable snow drops population was endangered by rising visitor numbers. By introducing protective markers and designated photo areas, the students and volunteers reacted to the challenge of aligning nature conservation and visitors’ interests and, once again, adapted to changing circumstances. The initiative gradually developed further to culminate in the foundation of the Cholodnyj Jar National Park.

“The project shows that innovative solutions can bring about long-term changes by actively involving students, researchers, and the wider public. It is a flagship project for citizen science,” says Lohner enthusiastically.

Oleksandr Spriahailo, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovation Activities at the Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, and Oleksandra Demianenko presented their Citizen Science project during the International Week at FH St. Pölten. © Christoph Böhm

Strong Partnership

The St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences closely collaborates with Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy – in particular within the framework of Erasmus+. Among other things, the collaboration organises staff trainings and incoming mobilities for students and lecturers. In addition, both universities participate in various projects of the European Higher Education Alliance E³UDRES², which is led by the St. Pölten UAS.

Learn more about the partners:

• Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy
• International Office
• E³UDRES²