Our trip to Croatia in 2018 is with the purpose of carrying out ecological surveys and to work on real-world research programs alongside academic researchers. The surveys that we shall be carrying out will produce data that can be used by conservation managers to more effectively manage the maintenance of Croatia’s wildlife.

The first week will be spent in and around Krka National Park, where we shall be carrying out surveys of fish, reptiles, caves, birds, butterflies and mammals. The second week will be spent at Mljet National Park. Here, we hope to complete a PADI Open Water dive training course, in order to complete marine life biological surveys.

There are many ways the research which we conduct shall help the teams at the national parks. For example, the current tortoise population in the Mljet National Park is unclear. By conducting our surveys, we can help quantify the amount of tortoise living in the area. This may potentially help the Opwall organisation cater and preserve the entire population or tortoise at the park.

Not only will this trip be an incredible experience for me and the team, but I personally am excited to be able to contribute to reaching a larger goal of creating and maintaining sustainable ecosystems in the world in this hands-on experience.

For more information please visit http://opwall.com/sixth-form-high-school/locations/croatia-schools-expeditions/