International mobility under the Erasmus+ KA171 programme represents a significant instrument for the internationalisation of higher education. It facilitates the establishment of long-term partnerships with institutions outside the European Union, fosters the exchange of students, academic and research staff, and contributes to the development of participants' global competencies. Such activities enrich curricula, strengthen intercultural understanding, and lead to the creation of joint research initiatives. Through these efforts, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra actively integrates into the international academic community and enhances its reputation as an open and collaborative institution.

The Tanzanian delegation was welcomed by Assoc. Prof. PhDr. Martina Pavlíková, PhD., MBA, Vice-Rector for International Relations, and Prof. RNDr. František Petrovič, PhD., MBA, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics. During a working meeting, the participants discussed opportunities and future prospects for developing international cooperation in science, research, and higher education between Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra and the College of African Wildlife Management. The dialogue focused on building sustainable partnerships and promoting mutually beneficial academic activities.

Vice-Rector for International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Martina Pavlíková, plays a pivotal role in the strategic development of the internationalisation of education at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (UKF). Her leadership is particularly evident in the coordination of Erasmus+ KA171 projects, which foster partnerships with universities from non-EU countries, facilitate the mobility of students and staff, and promote the transfer of innovation into the educational process. The Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Informatics (FPVaI), through his active engagement in international activities with a strong scientific and research profile, significantly contributes to the faculty’s international orientation. His efforts focus primarily on supporting interdisciplinary projects, strengthening scientific collaboration, and aligning academic instruction with current global challenges in the fields of natural sciences and environmental sustainability.

Following the aforementioned working meeting, a rich professional programme was carried out, with substantial involvement from staff of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences (KEE).

The College of African Wildlife Management – Mweka is located in a region renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and represents, in many respects, an iconic landscape in terms of wildlife conservation. The institution has trained over 12,000 professionals in conservation and tourism from 28 African and 26 non-African countries and is recognised as a centre of excellence within the Southern African Development Community and Eastern Africa.

 

The college’s research orientation primarily encompasses biodiversity and habitat conservation, wildlife ecology, and vegetation ecology. Other research priorities include invasive species management, conservation financing, ecosystem services, innovative technologies in conservation, human–wildlife conflict, natural resource governance, climate change, as well as sustainable and managed tourism. These themes provide significant potential for alignment with the expertise and focus areas of the FPVaI at UKF.

The professional programme also included visits to selected protected areas and UNESCO sites. The delegation visited the Tatra National Park (TANAP), where they engaged in discussions with Ing. Miroslav Gregor from the TANAP Administration, as well as with academic guides Prof. RNDr. Juraj Hreško, CSc., Mgr. Gabriel Bugár, PhD., and Mgr. Veronika Piscová, PhD. The guests were introduced to ongoing research carried out in cooperation between the Institute of Landscape Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences at FPVaI UKF.

Further expert excursions included a visit to Banská Štiavnica and its surroundings—including its unique system of artificial water reservoirs (tajchy)—guided by RNDr. Peter Petluš, PhD., and Assoc. Prof. Ing. Viera Petlušová, PhD., as well as a visit to Bojnice, where members of the delegation met with Assoc. Prof. Mgr. Henrich Grežo, PhD., and Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Lucia Petrikovičová, PhD. The Bojnice visit focused on exploring various aspects of tourism in the Slovak context.

 

As the visit coincided with the cultural event Nitra, Dear Nitra, the guests also enjoyed a variety of cultural experiences as part of their leisure programme. Their first encounter with the city of Nitra was facilitated by KEE doctoral student Mgr. Katarína Skokanová.

Throughout the entire visit, expert discussions were held on the possibilities for interdisciplinary cooperation focused on sustainability, the promotion of student and staff mobility, the preparation of joint publications, and the development of internationally oriented projects.

The interconnection of academic capacities significantly contributes to the ongoing internationalisation of UKF in Nitra. Erasmus+ projects aimed at cooperation with countries outside the European Union play a crucial role in this process. The reciprocal exchange of experience and the further development of cooperation will continue through planned future activities designed to deepen partnerships and support the exchange of academic and scientific knowledge. The growing interest of international partners in our university is clear evidence that UKF holds a recognised position on the international academic stage.

 

Text: doc. RNDr. Henrich Grežo, PhD., FPVaI – Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences; R – International Relation office
Photo: RNDr. Peter Petluš, PhD., FPVaI – Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences

 

Published: August 7, 2025