The recommendations of the European Commission for the new phase of the Erasmus for 2021-2027 is to make the programme greener. We do so by encouraging Erasmus beneficiaries to use low-emission means of transport to decrease carbon footprint. Other Erasmus projects promoting environmental protection and work against climate change are given precedence by the National Agencies around Europe.
But the question remained: how we here on our campus can ‘go green’. We are very lucky to have such a nice university space which is well noted by the incoming student and staff from various partner universities who we meet on a daily basis.
The answer to the question is - the garden. The idea was to plant only some trees to celebrate 25 years of the Erasmus programme but it turned to planting the whole garden as a straight forward understanding of Erasmus ‘going green’. In total over 250 different plants found their place in the garden.
Prof. Jarosław Sęp, Vice-Rector for Development and Business Cooperation and prof. Grzegorz Ostasz, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs opened the garden on 23rd May. "I am delighted that the Rzeszów University of Technology now has its own Erasmus Garden. It is a laid back zone to chill and rest in, and also a small step towards respecting nature. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in setting up the Garden, and especially the staff of our Department for International Cooperation and the guiding spirit of this event, Ms Monika Stanisz." said prof. Ostasz.
The name Erasmus Garden does not suggest it is a space dedicated only to Erasmus usage. On the contrary, it is foreseen for the whole university community and we do encourage both students and staff to enjoy it and have a break from a daily routine here, in the garden.
