The abundance of water in Hohe Tauern National Park can be experienced in all its many forms. Glacier-capped mountain peaks, spectacular waterfalls, rushing mountain streams and tranquil lakes in their pristine surroundings are just a few examples. Aware of the great responsibility that comes with this natural wealth, the National Park has been committed to protecting water as a resource and preserving its diverse aquatic environments from the beginning.
Together with our partner, the Swarovski Foundation, Hohe Tauern National Park has been committed to protecting this most precious resource through the Waterschool educational initiative for more than 25 years. More than 100,000 students in Austria have already participated in the Waterschool. Through the international Waterschool programme subsequently developed by the Swarovski Foundation, more than 800,000 students in eight countries have been reached. (Find out more about our partner: HERE)
We are currently implementing the following projects in partnership with the Swarovski Foundation:
Waterschool Programmes
Mobile Waterschool
• for students from Year 3 to Year 8
• two- to four-day programme, depending on the school’s needs, combining classroom learning and outdoor activities
• up to four teaching sessions per day
• completely free of charge for participating schools in Carinthia and Tyrol
• all materials required for the Waterschool programme are provided free of charge
Waterschool Project Days in the National Park
• two- to four-day Water School programme with rangers in Hohe Tauern National Park in Carinthia and Tyrol
• up to four teaching sessions per day
• in the afternoon, schools can book additional National Park programme modules (for an additional fee)
• rangers and materials provided as part of the Waterschool programme in Hohe Tauern National Park are free of charge; schools are responsible for travel and accommodation costs
Individual Project Work in Middle Schools
Under the guiding principle “Understand Water, Experience Nature, Take Responsibility”, our rangers accompany middle school classes throughout an entire school year. In close collaboration with teachers, individual projects explore aquatic habitats in Hohe Tauern National Park while deepening and integrating what students have experienced into their regular lessons. Together with their teachers and rangers, students develop ways of sharing their experiences and knowledge with their schools and local communities.
Cooperation with “Teach for Austria”
The Hohe Tauern National Park Waterschool brings the natural world of the National Park to urban areas in eastern Austria. As ambassadors for National Parks Austria and for protected, intact natural landscapes, our rangers bring fascinating images and stories into classrooms led by Teach for Austria Fellows. Throughout the school year, the rangers support the Fellows as they develop a range of water-related projects with their students as part of their regular lessons. As a highlight, students, rangers and Fellows explore urban natural areas and streams together.
In partnership with the Swarovski Foundation
