SAS
HRS4R 
How can we help nature, and what messages would we like to share? These questions explored during interactive events held on 30th of September and 1st of October 2026 as part of the exhibition Our Beskydy: Coexistence Between People and Nature.
Researchers from the SlovakGlobe team at the Institute of Forest Ecology of the SAS introduced children from schools to the fascinating natural world of the Beskydy Mountains, demonstrating how its stories are closely connected to all of us. The events marked the symbolic conclusion of the exhibition’s stay at the Information Centre in Velké Karlovice, before its relocation across the border to the Slovak side of the Beskydy Mountains, where it is now hosted by the Primary School in Makov. At both locations, pupils had the opportunity to take part in guided exhibition tours, engage in discussions with researchers, and discover nature from a different perspective.
Stories Worth Listening To
At the heart of the exhibition are the inhabitants of the Beskydy Mountains themselves. Through the voices of professional actors, nature representatives – for instance the capercaillie, spruce tree, bark beetle, and water share their stories with visitors, revealing their needs and the challenges they have to face nowadays. Informative exhibition panels provide further insights into their lives and ecological roles.
The children’s curiosity and enthusiasm were reflected in their numerous questions and lively discussions with researchers Prof. Tatiana Kluvánková, Ing. Tomáš Szabo, Ing. Dominik Horváth, and Mgr. Kristína Raševová (SlovakGlobe), as well as Vladimíra Kluvánková from CETIP.
Older pupils also showed considerable interest in the outcomes of the international research project COEVOLVERS. Through authentic testimonies from local residents, they were introduced to people for whom the natural environment of the Beskydy Mountains is an integral part of everyday life and who actively contribute to its protection.
They also learned about the concept of a Living Lab – a collaborative environment in which researchers, local communities, and other stakeholders work together to identify and develop solutions to environmental challenges.
Dear Nature, We Have a Message for You
One of the exhibition’s most engaging activities invites visitors to reverse the traditional roles. Rather than simply listening to nature’s stories, they are encouraged to address nature directly and share their own thoughts and feelings.
The opportunity to leave a personal message for nature received an overwhelmingly positive response. The letters and short reflections expressed gratitude for everything nature provides, alongside sadness and concern about the negative impacts of human activities.
A common theme running through these messages was the hope for positive changes in human behaviour, the restoration of mutual respect, and the pursuit of a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence between people and nature.
Messages for Nature
“Dear wise Nature, please forgive those who fail to appreciate you and destroy your gifts! I wish you strength and faith that humanity can change for the better.” — Hana
“May you endure forever, for us and for our children.”
“Dear Nature, you are amazing. I’m sorry that people throw rubbish into you and leave it all around you. I hope things will get better. I’ll do my part to make sure they do.” — Juli
“Dear Nature, please take care of us, and we will do our best not to destroy you.”
“Dear Nature, I believe we will find a way to coexist, like friends who respect one another and do not harm each other.” — Your friend S.
“I wish for people to reconnect with you and begin treating you with the respect you deserve.” — Romana, Peťa and Jeníček
Text: Mgr. Kristína Raševová, ÚEL SAV / UKF Nitra
Photos: Kolektív SlovakGlobe
