Children and teens awarded at the “Human and bear: a daily coexistence” contest

On June 8th, a day filled with smiles and applause took place, honoring over 100 children and teenagers who received awards for their beautiful submissions to the contest “Human and bear: a daily coexistence,” part of the LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors initiative.

After a brief introduction to the educational program by representatives of the project partners—Rewilding Apennines, Salviamo l’Orso, Monte Genzana Alto Gizio Nature Reserve, Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park—there were performances by the winning classes: a song about human-bear coexistence with tips to prevent bears from entering towns; a theatrical show with costumes, scenery, and special effects; illustrated stories narrated by children; an art gallery featuring a mural on coexistence to decorate a school exterior; and even a podcast!

Following these performances, in front of families and the entire Bear-Smart Community Genzana, hosted at the “M. Leone” sports facilities thanks to the Municipality of Pettorano sul Gizio, the awards were presented to the top five classes and a special mention. Out of 19 participating classes from across the project area, the winners were:

• 1st Place: IC Mazzini-Capograssi, “G. Paolo II” Kindergarten School of Sulmona, with the podcast “LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors”. Daniela D’Amico, head of the Communications and Promotion Office of PNALM, awarded them with an invitation to conduct an educational activity on human-bear coexistence at BSC Villetta Barrea, with support from staff of the Park.
• 2nd Place: IC Mazzini-Capograssi, “E. Bonitatibus” Primary School of Pettorano sul Gizio, with the theatrical performance “The famous invasion of the Sicilian bears”. Giovanna Di Domenico, a biologist collaborating with the Maiella National Park, awarded the children with the board game “My Orsella, the Marsican brown bear game,” developed as part of the LIFE ArcProm project to promote exchange and sharing of goals and best practices among similar LIFE projects.
• 3rd Place: IC Mazzini-Capograssi, “M. Silvestri” Kindergarten School of Pacentro, with the narrated drawings “A special friend among the mountains”. Serena Frau, project manager of Salviamo l’Orso, awarded the children with a copy of the photographic book “Ernico. The story of an Apennine bear,” by Gaetano de Persiis, produced by Salviamo l’Orso.
• 4th Place: IC Molise Altissimo, Capracotta Primary School, with animated drawings and stories titled “ORME: Bears, Resources, Mountains, Harmony”. Antonio Monaco, a wildlife technician from Monte Genzana Alto Gizio Nature Reserve, awarded them with an informative panel on best behavior guidelines in case of bear encounters.
• 5th Place: IC Valle del Fino, Arsita Middle School class 2° A, with a gallery of drawings and a mural on human-bear coexistence. Pina Leone, an environmental education expert in the Gran Sasso area, awarded a poster depicting a photo of a bear with two cubs by Bruno D’Amicis.
• Special mention: Omnicomprehensive Institute of Alvito, Primary School, classes II and III, with the song “The bear comes down to town”. Antonio Carrara, mayor of Pettorano sul Gizio, awarded them with a stuffed bear donated by the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.

Children from “E. Bonitatibus” Kindergarten School in Pettorano sul Gizio and their families also attended the awards ceremony.

It was a truly moving day, as these young citizens of the Bear-Smart Communities proved they had gained knowledge and awareness about bears and coexistence, demonstrating this with originality and great expressive ability.

A special thanks to all participating students—winners and non-winners—along with their teachers, school managers, families, educational program operators, project partners, and everyone who attended this festive day!