Annals of the Academy of Romanian Scientists
Series on Agriculture, Silviculture and Veterinary Medicine Sciences
ISSN 2344-2085
Volume
15
, Number
2
/
2026
70
INTEGRATING EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC
ACHIEVEMENTS TO SOLVE ORGANIC FARMING
PROBLEMS
Leonid V
OLOSCIUC
18
Abstract.
The purpose of the study is to analyse the impact of ecological education on the
sustainable development of society and to determine the role and place of this important type of
activity in social and life processes for solving educational and ecological problems. When
conducting the research, general scientific methods of knowledge, information search methods
and implementation of scientific achievements were used, which allowed the collection of the
necessary material on the research topic. The research touches on the problems of ecological
education formation in different groups of audiences (bachelor, master, doctorate, agricultural
specialists, organic agriculture operators). The materials on ecological education issues are
summarized and proposals are made for the use of new forms of environmentally efficient work
organization, as well as the perspectives of applying the results of ecological education to
strengthen ecological agriculture through the sustainable development of society.
Keywords
:
Organic farming, awareness, environmental education, plant health.
DOI
10.56082/annalsarsciagri.2026.2.70
1.
Introduction
The worsening of environmental problems, which endangers the very existence
of nature and humanity, reflects a transformation in nature’s role: shifting from a
provider
and
friend
to
a
formidable
adversary.
This
shift
necessitates
the
adoption, development, and implementation of effective mechanisms governing
the relationship between humans and nature. The current situation compels
human society to build a comprehensive body of knowledge regarding the
integrity of nature and, leveraging the inherent unity of humanity, society, and
the natural world, to foster the competencies, values, behaviors, and activities
that ensure a responsible attitude toward nature. Environmental education plays
a pivotal role in addressing these challenges [8].
Environmental education encompasses the full range of pedagogical responses
and
activities
aimed
at
understanding
and
resolving
issues
concerning
the
human-nature relationship. It seeks to regulate interactions with the environment
by
utilizing
scientific
knowledge
grounded
in
global
responsibility
and
by
18
Prof.,
Doctor
habilitatus,
Cor.
M.
of
ASM,
Scientific
Consultant,
Institute
of
Genetics,
Physiology and Plant Protection of Moldova State University, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
E
-
mail: l.volosciuc@gmail.com
Integrating Education and Scientific Achievements to Solve Organic Farming Problems
71
helping humanity gain a profound understanding of environmental issues and
global challenges [5].
The primary goal of environmental education is to facilitate the acquisition of
information needed to understand environmental issues and to make decisions
based
on
ecological
knowledge,
while
also
addressing
accumulated
environmental problems. Today, education aimed at fostering environmental
awareness
is
becoming
a
fundamental
element
for
families,
educational
institutions, and society at large and is particularly relevant to new forms of
agriculture that support sustainable socio-economic development [6].
Given the ecological characteristics of humans, it is essential to recognize that
Homo sapiens
L. can only grasp the necessity and obligation of complying with
environmental
legislation
by
participating
as
a
subject
of
environmental
education and being guided by these values.
2.
Materials and Methods
The research objective was achieved through the accumulation and processing
of
gathered
information
and
practical
experience,
alongside
an
analysis
of
existing
sources.
Methods
and
techniques
in
environmental
education
were
tailored
to
specific
age
groups,
employing
oral,
written,
and
visual
communication, both collective and individual, as well as systematic exploration
of objective reality and methods grounded in practical laboratory work and
activities on experimental and production plots [9].
The
research
conclusions
and
results
rely
on
logical
reasoning
and
generalization.
Current
information
regarding
environmental
education
is
derived from research reports by global, regional, and national organizations,
scientific publications, expert opinions, materials from scientific and practical
forums and meetings, and online resources [10].
Consequently, there is a need to master and acquire practical skills, integrated
into
knowledge
models,
and
to
implement
technological
and
behavioral
measures in alignment with the regulatory and value-based standards approved
by
decision-making
bodies.
The
establishment
of
moral
and
aesthetic
foundations is of particular importance; these form the basis and the means for
shaping one's attitude toward nature, a process that unfolds over a long period
through interaction with the elements of agro-ecosystems.
3.
Results and discussions
Leonid
Volosciuc
72
3.1.
Fostering Ecological Culture in the Context of Promoting New
Types of Agriculture
Against the backdrop of worsening ecological problems on the one hand, and a
significant surge in research and publications aimed at resolving them on the
other, it has become an axiom that the level of ecological culture is determined by
the state of the Earth's environment and depends largely on ecological education.
Currently,
ecological
culture
has
the
primary
mission
of
contributing
to
the
resolution of ecological problems, a role it has fulfilled for decades through
ecological education. This culture is defined by adherence to moral standards and
an attitude toward nature rooted in the informed conviction of every member of
society. Scientific and educational activities have defined the purpose, set the
objectives,
and
developed
the
methodological
mechanisms
that
have
led
to
undeniable successes in ecological education, an approach based on the premise
that every individual and member of society must possess sufficient knowledge of
nature and attain an adequate level of ecological education. Armed with this
knowledge and an active civic stance, every member of society becomes prepared
to realistically assess the nature and consequences of their practical activities and
their impact on the environment; to determine the extent to which natural and
anthropogenic factors affect the surroundings; and to understand how measures
can be implemented to mitigate this impact [7].
Activities
focused
on
ecological
education,
particularly
those
designed
for
practitioners
in
modern
agricultural
sectors
(conventional,
organic,
and
regenerative), stimulate interest in the components and characteristics of natural
phenomena. They encourage the application of acquired knowledge to maintain
and
improve
environmental
conditions,
the
analysis
of
practical
outcomes
regarding
natural
elements
and
phenomena,
the
development
of
concepts
concerning the role of humans in relation to nature, and the cultivation of a sense
of responsibility toward living things [2].
As
a
result
of
ecological
education,
environmentally
conscious
individuals
demonstrate ecological thinking; they correctly analyze situations and establish
appropriate responses to environmental issues, while also forecasting the impact
of personal and human activities on the natural world. The outcomes of ecological
education across different groups can be observed through behavioral patterns and
the
display
of
respect
for
life
and
nature,
ranging
from
treating
natural
components with care to utilizing them wisely. Achieving this noble goal is
inextricably linked to the educator's intellectual qualities and attentive attitude in
imparting necessary knowledge about nature, sparking interest, and fostering a
genuine friendship with the natural world.
Integrating Education and Scientific Achievements to Solve Organic Farming Problems
73
Starting
from
the
increase
in
the
impact
of
harmful
organisms
against
the
background of worsening climate change and the continuous deterioration of the
ecological status, the obligations of human society to establish the knowledge
system
oriented
to
the
formation
of
skills,
value
orientation,
conduct
and
activities,
which
would
ensure
a
responsible
attitude
towards
nature,
are
increasing.
In
solving
these
problems,
a
primary
role
belongs
to
ecological
education and scientific creativity.
Taking
into account the particularities of man,
it is necessary to take into account that
Homo sapiens
L., only by participating as
an object of environmental education and
being guided by these values, can they
become
aware
of
the
need
and
obligation
to
comply
with
environmental
legislation.
Activities
education-oriented
Organic
farming,
especially
those
applied
to
operators in modern types of agriculture (conventional, organic, regenerative)
through recognized mechanisms and methods, arouse the interest of audiences in
the
components
and
particularities
of
natural
phenomena.
The
intercalation
between
environmental
education
with
the
results
recorded
by
the
scientific
community is achieved by applying the knowledge acquired for maintaining and
improving the conditions of the environment, analyzing the results obtained in
practical activity on natural components and phenomena, forming ideas about the
role of man and natural phenomena, cultivating feelings of responsibility for the
manifestations of living entities.
As a result of environmental education, advanced people in this field manifest
elements of ecological thinking, correctly analyzing and stabilizing appropriate
relationships when various environmental problems arise, but also to forecast the
consequences on nature and the natural environment of personal and human
activity. The results of environmental education in different groups of audiences
can be examined by reflecting people's behavior and showing respect for life and
nature, going through activities that are careful of natural components until they
are used wisely [3].
Thus, integration combines academic theory with innovative thinking oriented to
the application of achievements in organic farming. Particularly important are the
results aimed at the implementation of sustainable agriculture based on the "One
Health" concept, such as: monitoring the development of harmful organisms with
the application of methods and achievements of information technologies, use of
knowledge
on
the
particularities
of
soil
biota
entities,
development
and
implementation
of
biological
fertilizers
and
pesticides
(biological
means
developed
and
approved
in
the
Republic
of
Moldova
based
on
various
biologically active substances for monitoring, sterilization, mass capture and
control
of
harmful
insects,
efficient
entomophages
for
combating
harmful
Leonid
Volosciuc
74
arthropods, effective biological preparations based on useful bacteria, fungi and
viruses),
analysis
of
climate
data
to
optimize
the
application
of
advanced
technological
processes,
monitoring
the
phytosanitary
status
of
agricultural
ecosystems and soil health by applying biological indicators, modern machinery
and artificial intelligence.
Ecological
education
in
raising
awareness
and
sensitization
of
agricultural
producers and operators in the field of organic farming is indispensable related to
stimulating creativity and innovation by organizing round tables, seminars and
scientific
forums,
setting
up
direct
experiments
in
community
pilot
farms,
applying environmentally harmless means based on the use of natural mechanisms
of regulating the density of harmful organisms, which serve as effective solutions
for obtaining and processing organic products [1].
The
teaching
experience
gained
both
in
reading
biological,
ecological
and
agrobiologically courses, as well as the numerous trainings of specialists and
operators in organic farming, creates a substantial foundation for theoretical and
practical awareness of the study programs. They constituted a valuable material
for the initiation and deepening of the accumulated knowledge and contributed
as
a methodological support to orient the behavior of the audience groups on the
formation of the feeling of responsibility for caring attitudes towards nature and
the rational use of natural resources. Thus, it becomes evident that environmental
education is an imperative and the chance for food security in the sustainable
development of humanity.
3.2.
Addressing the Functional Blocks of Plant Protection Systems
Diagnosis,
monitoring,
and
forecasting
of
the
development
of
harmful
and
beneficial organisms.
Development of decision-making systems (for assessing the spread of harmful
organisms, determining their impact on organisms, and analyzing economic injury
thresholds) [4].
Determination
of
the
role
of
plant
protection
methods
(organizational
and
management-related, agrotechnical, genetic and breeding, chemical, biological).
Development of plant protection machinery and technologies.
Optimization of plant protection systems using traditional, linear, and non-linear
methods, as well as dynamic programming.
Training and professional development of personnel for the implementation of
sustainable plant protection systems.
Against the backdrop of the deteriorating phytosanitary condition of agricultural
crops, shifting the plant protection paradigm has become timely, both a solution to
and a result of humanity's struggles. Based on the research practice and the
Integrating Education and Scientific Achievements to Solve Organic Farming Problems
75
consensus
in
the
"Plant
Protection"
science,
which
does
not
have
sufficient
theoretical and applied arguments to solve the problems, the foundation and
implementation of the phrase "Plant Health" became rational.
The new paradigm is based on recognized scientific achievements, which offer
original approaches to problems and model solutions to the scientific community
and specialists in the field.
Achieving these goals can become a reality through collaboration between the
scientific and educational communities.
Development and approval of environmentally friendly plant protection products:
-
Technological
processes
for
the
production
of
15
entomophages,
especially those applied in the protection of greenhouse crops;
-
Technologies for the production and application of microbiological agents
for combating pests and the approval of 16 biological preparations based
on them;
-
Identification and synthesis of sexual pheromones of 18 species of harmful
insects and the development of original synthesis schemes for pheromones
in 72 species and technological processes for their production and use for
monitoring,
mass
capture,
sterilization
and
disorientation
of
harmful
insects. All of this is promoted through (Table 1).
Table 1.
Combining scientific and pedagogical activities
Leonid
Volosciuc
76
3.3
Prospects for environmental awareness
This
integration
combines
academic
theory
with
innovative
thinking
focused on applying scientific advancements to organic farming.
Implementation
of
sustainable
agriculture
based
on
the
"One
Health"
concept: monitoring pest development using information technology methods and
tools; utilizing knowledge regarding soil biota characteristics; and developing and
implementing biological fertilizers and pesticides (biological agents developed
and approved in the Republic of Moldova).
Scaling up results based on:
-
biologically active substances for monitoring, sterilizing, mass-trapping,
and controlling insect pests;
-
effective entomophages for controlling harmful arthropods;
-
effective biological preparations based on beneficial bacteria, fungi, and
viruses.
The
Contribution
of
Environmental
Education
to
Raising
Awareness
and
Sensitizing
Agricultural
Producers.
Raising
awareness
and
sensitivity
among
agricultural
producers
and
organic
farming
operators
regarding
ecological
education is inextricably linked to fostering creativity and innovation through:
-
organizing roundtables, seminars, and scientific forums,
-
conducting hands-on trials at community pilot farms,
1.
Indicator
Activity
2.
Conducting expert assessments
and issuing opinions on
scientific activities and the
implementation of results
Expert assessment and endorsement of materials in
the fields of microbiology, ecology, and plant
protection, as well as educational projects.
3.
Ensuring the testing,
certification, and
standardization of products and
services
Development
and
submission
of
microbiological
plant protection agents to the State Center.
Contracting for the testing, certification, and
standardization of phytosanitary products.
4.
Perfecting and launching
collaborative applied projects
between the scientific and
educational community and
representatives of the business
environment.
The launch and execution of collaborative and
applied projects in order to develop manuals, prepare
and perfect staff, develop and approve decision-
making documents, and solve phytosanitary problems
in agricultural operators....
5.
Realization of student
accommodation programs on
the occasion of themed holidays
Implementation of student hosting programs for
World Science Day and Researchers' Night.
6.
Maintaining dialogue with civil
society representatives
Participation in discussions organized by the Ministry
of Agriculture and Food Industry, the Ministry of the
Environment, and civil society representatives
regarding issues of biological plant protection,
agroecology, and biosafety.
Integrating Education and Scientific Achievements to Solve Organic Farming Problems
77
-
applying environmentally safe methods that utilize natural mechanisms to
regulate pest populations, serving as effective solutions for the production
and processing of organic products.
Perspectives on integrating environmental education and awareness.
The teaching
experience
gained
through
delivering
courses
in
biology,
ecology,
and
agrobiology,
combined
with
extensive
training
provided
to
organic
farming
specialists and operators, establishes a solid foundation for the theoretical and
practical understanding of these study programs.
This experience has served as a valuable resource for initiating and deepening
knowledge, acting as a methodological guide to shape the mindset of participants.
It fosters a sense of responsibility regarding the conscientious treatment of nature,
the promotion of environmentally friendly practices, and the rational use of
natural resources.
Thus, it becomes evident that environmental education is an imperative and a key
factor in ensuring food security within the context of humanity's sustainable
development.
1.
Conclusions
Implementing modern, competency-based educational processes is impossible
without interdisciplinary learning that directly integrates the natural, life, and social
sciences. Correlating knowledge across different subjects fosters the education of learners
and develops both cognitive flexibility and the ability to apply acquired knowledge to
new forms of agriculture.
Strengthening knowledge through the integration of natural and life sciences with
educational disciplines is achievable only by promoting interdisciplinarity; the need for
such an approach is driven by the worsening of complex ecological issues and the
promise
held
by
the
implementation
of
modern
biotechnological
methods
to
boost
contemporary agricultural yields.
Pedagogical
activities
at
various
levels
of
professional
training
provide
a
substantial and sufficient foundation for recognizing that the theoretical and practical
aspects of these programs are invaluable for shaping learner behavior—fostering a sense
of responsibility and a caring attitude toward nature, promoting the rational use of natural
resources,
and
ultimately
building
a
profitable
agricultural
sector
and
a
sustainable
society.
Acknowledgments
The
research
was
carried
out
within
the
project
25.80012.5107.12SE
"Determination
of
the
relationships
between
symbiotic
nitrogen-fixing
Leonid
Volosciuc
78
microorganisms, biotic and abiotic factors, in order to increase the level of
protection and productivity of soybean", funded by the National Agency for
Research and Development.
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