BANJ BRDO ENRICHED WITH 100 NEW PINE TREES

Students of "Ivo Andrić" Elementary School, alongside their subject teachers, planted around 100 black and white pine saplings on Banj Brdo in Banja Luka yesterday as part of their school’s ecology and biology clubs.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

The saplings were donated by "Srpske Šume" (Serbian Forests), while the Rajnerovo Vrelo area, where the new trees now stand, is also adorned with birdhouses crafted by the diligent students.

The school’s principal, Željka Opačić, emphasized that this initiative demonstrated the students' commitment to biodiversity and environmental preservation.

“People are quick to criticize young people for not contributing and not wanting to send positive messages, but this is proof that they can achieve great things while protecting their surroundings,” said Opačić.

Geography teacher Jelena Vrhovac explained that she and biology teacher Bojana Vukota frequently discuss environmental awareness, the importance of environmental protection, and the responsibility and love for nature with students in the ecology and biology clubs. They also address pressing issues like pollution.

“It’s essential to demonstrate these concepts through actions, not just words, especially because we’ve noticed that students enjoy spending time outdoors and are eager for activities outside the classroom,” Vrhovac stated.

She added that the 20 club members embraced this project enthusiastically, completing the planting quickly. “They said they’ll monitor the growth of the saplings and, in the future, proudly tell others that these are the trees they planted,” added Vrhovac.

Earlier this year, "Ivo Andrić" Elementary School won first place for the best-kept yard among public institutions in Banja Luka as part of the "Choosing the Best-Kept Yard" campaign.