Enviromental Education

What is Environmental Education?

“It is a process that promotes the development of conscience and comprehension of the evolution of the social and physical aspects as a total, its natural, cultural, and spiritual resources, sustainable use and conservation of these resources to guarantee the survival of Humankind in harmony with themselves and with nature” (UNESCO, 1977).

Environmental Education in Tortuguero Conservation Area (ACTo)

Understanding the importance of an ecological consciousness, the Environmental Education program is established to promote knowledge among the ACTo inhabitants to develop better capacities to use the natural resources.

How has it been achieved?

There has been a priority in ACTo. By using some criteria such as contamination, solid waste, and deforestation, some elementary schools were selected in order to create some strong environmental consciousness.

There is an Environmental Education Plan which involves the participation not only institutions but also communities.

Some activities have been organized with some success such as cleaning campaigns, ecological contests, cultural shows, painting, and drawing.

Teaching is a powerful tool for knowledge, social and economic development of people. But we have realized that it can be used to defend and protect nature.

You can see the results achieved by the Environmental Education Program by clicking here: download (spanish version available). Also, you can see a document related to the principles of environmental education, click here: download (spanish version available).