Fighting for the planet: Teaching and learning about environmental sustainability
December 17, 2020
For faculty members who are passionate about what they
teach, being involved in their fields goes far beyond their work in the
classroom.
At RIT Croatia, Dr. Marlena Ćukteraš is one of best examples
of an instructor whose energy and life work complements her teaching. For the
past three years, she has taught Scientific Inquiries in Environmental Science
and Ecology of the Dalmatian Coast at RIT Croatia’s Dubrovnik campus,
encouraging students to apply what they have learned to the real world around them.
"In addition to theoretical knowledge, I teach students how
not to endanger nature, how to reduce our human impact on the environment and
how their knowledge and future work can contribute to its preservation,” she
explained. Field trips are an important part of her courses, since they allow
students to see and experience sustainable environmental practices in action in
the world around us.
Dr. Ćukteraš was born in Čapljina, in Herzegovina by the
river Neretva. "Thanks to my family, I learned about the value of nature very
early on. Ever since I was a little girl, I was drawn to natural sciences, and
although my first love was physics, soon I realized that the future lies in the
interdisciplinary world. That is the main reason I decided to pursue a Ph.D. in
Biology, Ecology and Marine Sciences.”
Besides being a high school and college instructor, she has
been involved with numerous NGOs working to preserve natural reserves of
Dubrovnik-Neretva and Hercegovina counties. She is president of the
environmental association Green Sea Safari in Dubrovnik, and the president of
the Regional Resource Center and the association EHOO in Bosnia and
Herzegovina. She is an active member of the ecological associations Neretva
Delta Forum, Lijepa Naša and Reference Group, and an associate of the
Association for the Promotion of Natural Sciences in Dubrovnik. In the
meantime, as the editor-in-chief, she edits the magazine "Nature and
Environment” and as deputy editor the magazine "Eco Herzegovina”. Also, she has
actively participated in over 50 projects funded by the EU, regional ministries
and funds, all of which are aimed at preserving protected areas and regional
application of EU standards.
"What I am most proud of at the moment is the Green Sea
Safari Association. Working on this project is only a continuation of
relentless efforts to preserve the natural wonders of this region for younger
generations” she explained. "Spending a whole day in nature, one hour cleaning
the environment and the rest exploring, swimming, diving and enjoying the
beauty of the Elaphiti islands is something I hope will come to life throughout
the Adriatic and will be a sustainable activity in the tourist offer of
Croatia”.
"I draw my energy and inspiration from new generations - my
students, who have the power to change the world for the better.”
