On December 2, 2024, Prof. Neviana Krasteva, D.Sc., from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” captivated the international academic community with her participation in the International Conference on the Economics of the Decoupling (ICED 2024). This prestigious event, organized by FEB Zagreb & Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, brought together leading scholars and researchers from around the globe in Zagreb to discuss key topics related to economic development and sustainability.

During Session 3, chaired by Dr. Marko Družić, Prof. Krasteva presented her research on „Gamification in Education to Create Habits Related to Sustainable Development“. She highlighted the potential of gamified learning mechanisms to transform the educational process, making complex and occasionally unappealing topics, such as sustainable development, more engaging and enjoyable for learners. Prof. Krasteva emphasized that gamification not only sparks interest but also fosters long-term habits that lead to practical involvement in achieving sustainability goals.

Her research addressed critical questions, including how gamification in non-formal education influences students' motivation to learn the principles of sustainability and the extent to which gamified learning environments enhance their engagement in practices like waste segregation. Prof. Krasteva shared empirical data and practical examples demonstrating that gamified approaches significantly improve knowledge acquisition, motivation, and active participation among learners.

In her presentation, she introduced the successful educational product “Masters of Recycling” developed to promote sustainable practices among young people in Bulgaria. This innovative program includes interactive components such as a 3D film, discussions, and the game “Become an Eco Hero!” which engages participants through fun and educational challenges. Participants earn rewards, and a key part of the initiative involves planting trees, encouraging environmentally responsible behavior. Data from the program revealed an average knowledge retention rate of over 80%, underscoring the effectiveness of gamified methods in non-formal education.

Prof. Krasteva’s presentation demonstrated how such methods not only enhance learners’ understanding but also shift their attitudes toward sustainable practices, encouraging them to implement their newfound knowledge in daily life. Her approach underscored the pivotal role of education as a powerful tool for creating habits that positively impact individual and societal behavior. The study confirmed that the use of scientifically grounded gamification strategies can optimize non-formal learning and achieve significant results in promoting sustainable development.

Prof. Krasteva’s participation in ICED 2024 stands as a testament to the Bulgarian academic community’s dedication to addressing global challenges. Her work exemplifies innovative thinking and the integration of modern approaches in education, which inspire future generations and contribute to society’s sustainable development.

This research was funded under the project “European Union - NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, project SUMMIT BG-RRP-2.004-0008-C01”.