“The GRAB Autumn School brought academic knowledge to life through practical experience. By working together, students from Ecuador and the Czech Republic demonstrated how combining the traditional knowledge of local communities with modern science can open up new pathways towards sustainable development. Such collaboration can deliver meaningful benefits not only for universities, but above all for the people and communities in the regions involved,” said Michaela Menšíková from Mendel University in Brno.
A highlight of the programme was a field visit to agroforestry sites in Hrušky, where students learned about practical approaches and experiences shared by the Czech Agroforestry Association. Agroforestry integrates agricultural production with the cultivation of trees and shrubs, helping to improve soil health, enhance water retention and support biodiversity. Students also took part in tree planting activities, gaining valuable first-hand experience in the field.
The tree planting initiative also formed part of the GRAB project’s efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of international mobility. A larger-scale environmental compensation initiative is planned for 2027 in cooperation with project partners in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Hands-on learning continued in MENDELU’s laboratories, where students analysed soil samples and explored methods for assessing soil quality. During a field trip to the Moravian Karst, they collected water samples for subsequent laboratory analysis. Another part of the programme focused on sustainable tourism, examining how more responsible planning and the use of local resources can help reduce the environmental footprint of tourism.
The Autumn School concluded with presentations by student teams, who proposed ways to apply their newly acquired knowledge across different geographical and socioeconomic contexts. The programme provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge and experience between Czech and Amazonian universities, demonstrating how international education can generate tangible benefits beyond academia, supporting local communities and the landscapes they depend on.
Media contact:
Michaela Menšíková, MSc., Ph.D.
Mendel University in Brno
Tel.: +420 771 125 473