INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DISCOVERED THE JOURNEY OF LOCAL SEEDS WITH THE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY

The Local Seed Production Centre, operating under the Department of Parks and Gardens of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, hosted international students visiting Eskişehir within the scope of AIESEC, one of the world's largest youth organizations.

AIESEC students from different countries, who aim to strengthen intercultural interaction, had the opportunity to closely examine the efforts carried out to preserve, reproduce, and transfer local seeds to future generations. During the visit, expert staff provided comprehensive information about the centre's operations, local seed production processes, and projects aimed at protecting biodiversity.

As part of the technical tour, the students visited not only the Local Seed Production Centre but also the sapling and flower production greenhouses. Accompanied by expert teams, the students toured the production areas and had the opportunity to observe closely the cultivation processes of trees, shrubs, and seasonal flowers.

Throughout the visit, detailed information was provided about the stages of plant cultivation, from seed to seedling and from seedlings to production areas. The information shared about irrigation, maintenance, propagation, and cultivation techniques attracted great interest from the international students. The students asked experts various questions and gained comprehensive knowledge about the production processes.

Within the scope of the programme, the "Hands Embracing Nature" activity, carried out at the Tree Production Area, was also organized. Aiming to raise environmental awareness, the activity included a seed ball workshop where students prepared seed balls using natural materials. The young participants experienced the joy of contributing to nature by making their own seed balls while also gaining awareness of sustainable living.

During the colourful visit, international students expressed their appreciation for Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality's environmentally friendly production activities and projects focused on the preservation of local seeds. Participants stated that gaining technical knowledge while spending enjoyable time in nature made the experience unforgettable for them.