How can the world of science draw inspiration from Silesian nature?
On the fifth day of the Eko Week, as part of the celebrations of the European City of Science Katowice 2024, an extraordinary meeting took place, during which scientists and residents of the region could see photographs of Silesian nature.
“Silesian nature – more exotic than you think” – under this slogan on 23 August a meeting with Tomasz Sczansny, a nature photographer and ornithologist took place. At the headquarters of the Centre for New Technologies of the Silesian University of Technology, photography enthusiasts and the inhabitants of the region, thirsty for knowledge about the secrets of Silesian nature, met.
Nature photography can bring a lot to the world of science. We are able to capture in the pictures some unique habits of animals. It is also often possible to take pictures of bird rings, it allows to record what species, with what type of plumage occur in a given area - explained Tomasz Sczansny, who has been photographing the nature of the Silesian Voivodeship for years It convinces us that it is easy to find here birds of paradise, whose colours delight with a variety of colours. In the ponds there are even fish hunting for birds, in the forest droppings toads carrying their partner on the back, and on the misty meadows you can hear a love song, during which the male deer lose 20 kg. These stories were heard yesterday by the participants of the meeting.
During the presentation of the photos, they could take a close look at all known species of animals, birds, and plants, including white storks, which have an excellent sense of smell, flying squirrels or hedgehogs.
Very few photos are taken by chance. I have been preparing for some shots for years. I waited two years for the opportunity to take a picture of flying squirrels. It involved gaining knowledge. I read about the habits of this animal, I looked for the areas where it occurs, and then there were hours of waiting until I finally succeeded.
Photos of Silesian nature photographers could also be seen in the lobby of the CNT and in albums that participants took home with them.
The event took place as part of the Eko Week celebrations in the European City of Science Katowice 2024. On the same day, a large dose of knowledge about ecology was also waiting for visitors to Kato Science Corner and SpinPlane and the CINiBA library in Katowice, where lectures and ecological workshops were held.
During the workshops, participants had the opportunity to get to know different species of bees, learn about their role in the environment, and also make candles themselves.
Friday also saw the debate "The Future of the Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities" hosted and moderated by a leading expert in bioenergy innovation Prof. Balal Yousaf from the Silesian University of Technology.
The exact schedule of the Eko Week events, which will last until Sunday, August 25, can be seen here : https://program.miastonauki.pl/tydzien-eko
