May 4 – May 8
- Language: English (Level B2)
- Dates physical mobility: 4 to 8 May 2026
- Location: Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland)
- Dates virtual mobility: 1 to 30 April and 10 – 31 May on selected days , depending on participants’ availability
- Number of ECTS: 3 ECTS
- Maximum number of participants: 20
Target Participants
Bachelor’s and Master’s students interested in environmental issues, social conflicts, participatory processes, and sustainable management of natural areas.
Subject
Participation in Solving Local Socio-Environmental Issues – Outreach Programme is the BIP organised by the Warsaw University of Life Sciences . The programme focuses on real-life socio-environmental conflicts and aims to help students understand how environmental protection, local community needs, and economic interests interact and sometimes conflict with one another. Participants will work on a case study from Zalesie (near Warsaw) , a forested area where tensions have emerged around the use of shared natural space. Through this case, students will explore how different stakeholder groups perceive environmental problems and how dialogue and participatory approaches can help develop sustainable solutions.
Students will also take part in collaborative workshops where they analyse collected data and develop recommendations addressing the identified socio-environmental challenges. After the onsite component, participants will continue working online to prepare a joint report and discuss their results with researchers and experts.
The programme offers students an opportunity to gain practical experience in participatory research, stakeholder dialogue, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, while working in an international academic environment. By engaging with a real local case, participants will develop skills useful for future work in environmental management, public policy, and community engagement
Programme
The programme combines online collaboration with an intensive onsite learning experience. During the virtual part, participants will work in small international groups, analyse the case study, and prepare for fieldwork.
The onsite week in Warsaw will include lectures on forests and environmental governance in Poland, workshops on public consultations and social conflicts, meetings with local residents and stakeholders, and fieldwork using participatory observation and interview methods.
Before Online Course
- get to know other participants and their backgrounds
- work in small international groups and build team dynamics
- explore the case and its social and environmental context through interactive online activities
Day 1
- Registration and welcome session
- Lecture on forests and forest-related issues in Poland
- Lecture on public consultations
Day 2
- Meeting point in front of the Crystal Hall building, transfer to the local community – Zalesie (9:00)
- Introduction to fieldwork methods, followed by meetings with residents, participatory observation, and interviews
Day 3
- Meeting point in front of the Crystal Hall building (9.00, WULS campus), transfer to Zalesie
- Meetings with stakeholders and continuation of field work
- Participatory workshops
Day 4
- Meeting point in front of the Crystal Hall building (8.30, WULS campus)
- Filip de Girard Linen Museum in Żyrardów, Ethnographic Museum in Łowicz, Chopin Museum in Żelazowa Wola
Day 5
- Data analysis, discussion on possible solutions and recommendations
- Summary of the BIP
After Online Course
- work collaboratively on group projects addressing the conflict
- discuss findings, experiences, and proposed solutions with peers and mentors
- apply interactive methods and tools to reflect on reallife social and environmental challenges
How to apply?
The student’s home university may conduct an internal selection process for the BIP. Registration is possible only via the application form and must be completed after the participant has received confirmation from their home university of their eligibility to take part in the BIP.
For any questions or expressions of interest, you may contact:
- Academic questions: Agnieszka Kampka ([email protected])
- Administrative Questions: Joanna Żach ([email protected])
Deadline for admission is 12 April 2026.
