A new educational and outreach facility, Ecocentre Loska, has been established at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU Prague), at its research station in Lány. The centre connects scientific research, environmental education and direct experience with nature, offering educational programmes for kindergartens, primary and secondary schools as well as the wider public.
Ecocentre Loska builds on the Faculty’s long-term research focused on large herbivores and their role in shaping landscapes. Its unique herd of common eland antelopes (Tragelaphus oryx) and guanacos (Lama guanicoe) provides visitors with a rare opportunity to explore how large grazing animals influence vegetation, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
“At the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, we are committed to ensuring that research findings do not remain confined to scientific publications but are communicated to the public in an accessible and engaging way. Ecocentre Loska is a place where children, students and adults can experience science directly in the landscape, discover the role of large herbivores in ecosystems and gain a deeper understanding of today’s environmental challenges,” said Mgr. Martina Komárková, Ph.D., Vice-Dean for Development, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.
Learning Through Experience
Ecocentre Loska offers modern facilities for field-based learning, science communication and public engagement activities. Participants do not simply learn about nature – they learn in nature. Through observation, discussion and hands-on activities, they gain a deeper understanding of ecological relationships and the impact of human activities on landscapes and ecosystems.
New Educational Programmes
Visitors can choose from three engaging educational programmes.
- Large Herbivores and the Landscape
An experiential programme for lower-secondary and secondary school students focusing on the ecological role of large herbivores. Through guided observation of common elands and guanacos, participants explore the effects of grazing on vegetation structure, biodiversity and ecosystem processes.
- Animals, People and Responsibility
A programme dedicated to animal welfare, ethics and sustainability. Participants learn about responsible animal management, genetic management and the complex relationship between humans, animals and the environment through discussions, case studies and group activities.
- First Steps Towards Nature Conservation
An introductory programme for kindergarten and primary school pupils. Children develop a positive relationship with nature through sensory activities, animal encounters and creative workshops. The programme includes feeding guanacos and creating a small handicraft from guanaco wool.
Part of the Faculty’s Mission
The establishment of Ecocentre Loska reflects the long-term commitment of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences to sustainable land management, nature conservation and the connection between research and practice.
By opening its research activities to schools and the public, the Faculty aims to strengthen environmental awareness and inspire future generations to better understand the challenges facing both landscapes and society.
Programmes are delivered through educational excursions, field seminars, practical exercises and thematic workshops. Activities are adapted to participants’ age and knowledge levels while supporting environmental literacy, critical thinking and responsible decision-making.
Contact
Ecocentre Loska Zámecká 427 270 61 Lány Czech Republic
Contact person: Silvie Neradilová Phone: +420 734 492 940 E-mail: neradilova@ftz.czu.cz
