High School of mathematics and natural sciences “Dobri Chintulov”

Coastal wetlands unveiled

Sliven, Bulgaria

3rd FUNDING CALL

“Dobri Chintulov” high school of mathematics and natural sciences (PPMG) is is one of the oldest schools in Bulgaria. Established in 1835, and existing as a high school since 1878, PPMG is an emblematic educational institution for Sliven and Bulgaria, and has gained a name and authority as a promising school, in which students receive excellent training. Prominent Bulgarian personalities such as Elin Pelin, Pencho Slaveikov or Radoy Ralin received their education at PPMG in Sliven. PPMG currently trains 900 pupils and has five modern computer labs together with well-equipped biology, physics and chemistry laboratories, multimedia centers, a school library with over 25,000 volumes as well as a botanical garden and the only one to date small natural history museum.

Since 2022, the school also disposes with a state-of-the-art STEM-center for natural sciences together with a modern computer lab for training in informatics and information technologies. In 2025, the PPMG also hosted the 50th Bulgarian National Olympiad оn Biology. Along with the very good general education, pupils have the opportunity to participate in numerous extracurricular activities, in particular the two biology clubs “Journey into Biology” and “Biology Club”, coordinated by Rossica Delcheva. In 2021, students from PPMG, also led by Rossica Delcheva, won the “Ask Buresh” contest, organised by the National Museum of Natural History and organised their own Bioblitz biodiversity expedition in the nature park “Sinite Kamani”.

All biodiversity records from the Biobliz were published in open-access iNaturalist database and PPMG is an important and regular contributor to iNaturalist. In 2025, the school won another highly competitive project from the EU-funded project ProBleu to develop innovative “Outside the Classroom” education activities around ocean and water literacy (leader Rossica Delcheva). Pupils carried out eDNA sampling activities at Burgarski lakes and will publish a scientific paper based on the data in collaboration with the NMNHS. In the process, PPMG officially became member of the European Network of Blue Schools (NEBS). PPMG is also collaborating with citizen scientists, namely two iNaturalist projects for monitoring moths and butterflies in Bulgaria led by the amateur naturalist Stephen Mumford.

Project objectives:

The primary goal of CLEAN is to implement a cutting-edge biodiversity monitoring program at PPA. This initiative aims to:

• Introduce students to advanced scientific methods, including passive acoustic monitoring and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling.
• Foster collaboration between students, teachers, researchers, and citizen scientists.
• Develop standardised data collection protocols and publish biodiversity data in open-access repositories.
• Increase awareness of wetland conservation among students and the local community.
• Inspire the next generation of biodiversity experts through hands-on scientific engagement.

By integrating open science principles with project-based learning, CLEAN ensures that students gain not just theoretical knowledge but also practical experience in real-world conservation challenges.

Activities and Collaborations:

1. Curriculum Development: A high-school educational program is designed to combine biodiversity research, open science principles, and hypothesis-driven learning.
2. Field Excursions: Students participate in three-day field trips to PPA to learn about the wetland ecosystem and engage in biodiversity monitoring.
3. eDNA Sampling: Using Waterra FHT-45 capsules and a manual bilge pump, students collect water samples, which are then stored and analyzed by an eDNA company.
4. Passive Acoustic Monitoring: AudioMoth and HydroMoth recorders are deployed to capture biodiversity sounds, helping scientists monitor species presence.
5. Data Management and Publishing: Students are trained in data analysis, storage, and publishing following FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles.
6. Community Engagement: Local researchers, NGOs, and citizen scientists collaborate with students to strengthen monitoring efforts and ensure long-term conservation impact.
7. Educational Materials: Professional designers assist in creating high-quality visuals, posters, and information sheets to simplify complex scientific concepts for a broader audience.

The inclusion of multiple stakeholders ensures that CLEAN not only strengthens academic knowledge but also builds strong community ties around wetland conservation.

Outputs and Impact: Driving Change Beyond the Classroom

CLEAN is expected to deliver significant contributions to both science and education. Some of the key outcomes include:

• Biodiversity Data Contribution: Acoustic and eDNA-based species inventories will be openly published on platforms such as GBIF, iNaturalist, and Xeno-Canto, enriching global biodiversity databases.
• Educational Resources for Wider Use: Teaching materials featuring sampling protocols, scientific concepts, and local wetland species will be distributed to schools across Sliven and beyond.
• Public Awareness and Outreach: Informational visuals will be displayed at the Nature Conservation Center Poda, reaching both local and international visitors.
• Sustainable Teaching Model: CLEAN establishes an innovative teaching framework that can be adopted by other educational institutions, promoting long-term engagement with biodiversity conservation.
• Empowered Students: By directly participating in real-world scientific research, students gain critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper appreciation for environmental science.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists

Schools looking to implement similar initiatives can draw inspiration from CLEAN’s interdisciplinary approach, stakeholder collaborations, and emphasis on open science. With dedication, curiosity, and the right partnerships, students around the world can become the next generation of biodiversity experts and environmental stewards.

As CLEAN continues to evolve, it stands as a powerful example of how education can be a driving force for conservation. By engaging young scientists today, we are safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity for the future.