"Blue ecoFest" Goes Down in History
On Saturday, June 8, 2024, the picturesque Silesian Park hosted the family picnic "Blue ecoFest." The event ran from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and attracted over 1,800 people who came to discover new ways to care for our planet. "Blue ecoFest" is a unique initiative aimed at ecological education, promoting sustainable living, and integrating the local community. The event was organized by the Silesian Voivodeship, in collaboration with Silesian Park, Silesian Stadium, the City of Chorzów, and Aplan Media Agency.
The goal of the picnic was not only to promote ecological attitudes but also to provide Silesian residents with inspiring experiences and knowledge about environmental protection. Through various attractions, lectures, workshops, and demonstrations, participants could spend their time actively, learning and having fun simultaneously.
This event, as part of the European Union's Green Week, had the status of an official Partner Event. This year's Green Week edition focused on water protection and drought issues, reflected in the picnic's theme. However, the most crucial leading topic was air quality in the Silesian Voivodeship.
The picnic was an opportunity for joint celebration and learning. One of the key points of the program was the commitment to plant 1,000 trees—a symbolic action emphasizing the collective commitment to environmental protection. Thanks to this event, 1,000 trees will be planted in the autumn of 2024, supporting the EU's Biodiversity Strategy 2030.
"Blue ecoFest" was filled with various events and attractions that attracted participants of all ages. The beautiful, green surroundings of Silesian Park created perfect conditions for outdoor learning and fun.
The picnic started at 11:00 AM in the Large Dance Circle, where participants were welcomed by Rafał Adamczyk, Member of the Silesian Voivodeship Board, and Barbara Kubiak, Director of the Department of Investments and Regional Projects, where the "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored" project is implemented.
Throughout the day, numerous dance workshops engaged both children and adults. Performances by youth karate groups from the Youth Cultural Center in Katowice and dance and vocal group performances, such as the Leisure Club "Katosie" and the Song and Dance Ensemble "Tysiąclatki," provided unforgettable experiences.
Sports enthusiasts had the opportunity to participate in various activities, such as stationary bike spinning sessions, outdoor yoga sessions, and silent fitness. Runners could join training and jogs in the park with runners from the Silesia Marathon. Karate demonstrations and exercise sessions were also available.
Ecological education was a key element of the picnic. Participants could attend lectures, presentations, and workshops led by experienced experts. Topics included water and air protection, sustainable development, health, and entertainment. Lightning talks covered subjects like the impact of air pollution on health, horticultural therapy, and the benefits of train travel.
One of the educational attractions was the "Experimentarium," where participants could explore the secrets of the human natural environment through interactive shows and experiments related to air protection and renewable energy technologies.
The picnic was divided into several thematic zones:
- Sports Zone: sports activities, training sessions, demonstrations, and physical activities.
- Educational Zone: lectures, workshops, presentations, and experiments.
- Cultural Zone: musical, dance, theatrical performances, outdoor painting, and photography and art exhibitions.
- Exhibition Zone: information and educational stands run by various institutions and organizations.
Special attractions were prepared for children, such as educational games, contests, art workshops, interactive scientific shows, and theatrical and musical performances on ecological topics. Adults could participate in workshops and lectures on ecology and sustainable living, taste eco-friendly food, and enjoy relaxation sessions.
There were also several food trucks, prize competitions, medical and fire rescue demonstrations, and mini-concerts. The relaxation zone provided participants with a moment of respite in a pleasant atmosphere.
"Blue ecoFest" attracted an impressive number of participants, including families with children, youth, adults, and seniors. In total, over 1,800 people attended the event, indicating a strong interest in ecological topics among the local community.
Families with children were one of the largest groups of participants. Children had the opportunity to participate in numerous educational games, contests, and art workshops, allowing them to gain knowledge about environmental protection and air quality in an attractive and engaging way.
Youth and adults could attend lectures, workshops, and presentations on ecology, sustainable development, and healthy living. Sports activities like yoga, spinning, or runs with marathoners were very popular.
Seniors also eagerly participated in the event, enjoying numerous relaxation zones, workshops, and lectures. The picnic was an opportunity for them to spend their time actively and gain valuable information about ecology, health, and air quality care methods.
Forty-two exhibitors representing various institutions, organizations, and companies participated in the picnic, sharing their knowledge about environmental protection, including water and air. Their presence and engagement enriched the event, offering participants a wide range of attractions and activities.
Universities and research institutes organized interactive stands presenting modern technologies related to environmental protection, sustainable development, biodiversity, and healthy living. Experts led workshops and presentations where participants could learn more about current research and innovations in ecology.
Participants could also join solar observations, learn about the actions of Upper Silesian institutions for electromobility and urban transport, and discuss the role of greenery in cities.
Environmental organizations prepared information stands where visitors could gain knowledge about pro-ecological actions. Exhibitors also offered educational materials, guides, and information about local initiatives. Parents' associations and foundations also had a strong voice in discussing the planet's future and climate change threats.
Various public institutions, including local governments and government agencies, participated in the picnic, offering information about support programs for ecological initiatives and advice on environmental protection. Their presence emphasized the authorities' commitment to promoting sustainable development and air protection.
All these institutions, organizations, and companies contributed significantly to the success of "Blue ecoFest," sharing their knowledge and experience with the picnic participants (here is the full list of event partners).
"Blue ecoFest" provided a rich educational and entertainment program for both children and adults. Thanks to various activities, participants had the opportunity to gain ecological knowledge in an accessible and engaging way.
For the youngest participants, numerous educational games, contests, and activities were prepared to increase their ecological awareness. Children could participate in quizzes about environmental protection, assemble ecological puzzles, and attend art workshops where they created nature-related works.
Special art workshops allowed children to creatively express their concern for the environment. They could paint, draw, and participate in recycling activities, learning how to create new items from recycled materials.
Interactive scientific shows were very popular, making complex ecological issues accessible to children. Experiments and demonstrations led by experienced educators helped children better understand natural processes.
Adult participants could attend numerous workshops and lectures on ecology, sustainable living, and health. Experts presented the latest research, shared practical advice, and answered participants' questions.
In advisory zones, participants could get information about replacing heat sources, building thermal modernization, and available funding sources for pro-ecological investments. Eco-managers from the "Silesie. Blue Sky Restored" project were available for talks, offering practical tips and help in implementing pro-ecological projects.
Adults also had the chance to spend time actively with sports activities like yoga, indoor cycling, fitness, or running training. Additionally, art and handicraft workshops provided creative time and learning techniques for using ecological materials.
The picnic featured medical and fire rescue demonstrations, which were not only educational but also very spectacular.
For those needing a break, special relaxation zones were prepared, where participants could rest in a pleasant atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These zones were ideal for regenerating after an active day full of experiences.
"Blue ecoFest" had a significant impact on the local community, promoting ecological awareness and inspiring residents to take action for environmental protection. The event not only educated but also integrated the community, creating a space for exchanging experiences and spending time together.
Thanks to numerous workshops, lectures, and presentations, participants could deepen their knowledge about ecology, sustainable development, and healthy living. Information provided by experts and specialists was accessible and engaging, contributing to a better understanding of issues related to air and water protection.
The picnic became an opportunity to meet and integrate residents of the Silesian Voivodeship. Families, children, youth, and seniors jointly participated in various activities, strengthening social bonds and a sense of community. The collective declaration to plant trees was a symbolic act showing how important cooperation is in caring for our planet.
"Blue ecoFest" not only brought participants a lot of joy and knowledge but also inspired action for environmental protection. This unique event, which will be remembered by all participants for a long time, is an excellent example of how we can take care of our planet together.
The event's realization would not have been possible without the involvement of all organizers, partners, lecturers, experts, supporting companies, and the great kindness of all participants.
See you under the blue sky of the Silesian Voivodeship!
Projekt zintegrowany LIFE "Śląskie. Przywracamy błękit". Kompleksowa realizacja programu ochrony powietrza dla województwa śląskiego realizowany jest przy dofinansowaniu z Programu LIFE Unii Europejskiej oraz Narodowego Funduszu Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej.
LIFE20 IPE/PL/000007 - LIFE-IP AQP-SILESIAN-SKY