EDU-ARCTIC 2: from polar research to scientific passion – innovative nature education in Poland and Norway receives a grant of ca. 240 000 EUR received from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway under EEA funds. The purpose of the EDU-ARCTIC 2 project is to:
- enhance the knowledge about nature, geography, natural resources, political specificities concerning polar regions and
increase awareness of environmental issues and climate change - increase of interest in pursuing STEM education and careers due to enhancement of knowledge about scientific research, and their place in the modern world, familiarizing young people with scientific career
opportunities; - introduce innovative tools by way of an e-learning portal and effective methods of teaching science in schools .
EEA funds represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to create a green, competitive and supportive Europe, facilitating social integration.
There are two general objectives:
reducing economic and social disparities in Europe and strengthening bilateral relations between donor countries and 15 EU countries from Central and Southern Europe and the Baltic Sea area.
The three Donor States work closely with the EU under the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). Donors donated EUR 3.3 billion under subsequent fund programs in the years 1994–2014. EEA funds for years 2014-2021 amount to 1.55 billion euros. Priorities for this period are:
# 1 innovation, research, education and competitiveness;
# 2 social integration, youth employment and poverty reduction;
# 3 environment, energy, climate change and low carbon economy;
# 4 culture, civil society, good governance and fundamental rights;
# 5 justice and home affairs. EEA funds are jointly financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, whose contribution is based on their GDP. Eligibility for funds is based on meeting the criteria set out under the EU Cohesion Fund for Member States where gross national income per capita is less than 90% of the EU average.