Eco-educational programs for children in ecotourism play a crucial role in promoting environmental awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature. These programs aim to instill sustainable values in young people, encouraging them to become stewards of the environment and contribute to its conservation. In this article, we will explore some of the eco-educational programs for children in ecotourism and their impact on environmental education.
Eco-Schools Program
Eco-Schools is a global sustainable schools program that starts in the classroom and expands to the community by engaging the next generation. This program encourages young people to engage in their environment by allowing them the opportunity to participate in various environmental education projects. Some of the projects created by Eco-Schools include The Great Plant Hunt, which focuses on biodiversity with an emphasis on plants[1]. By combining learning with hands-on experiences, the entire program is run according to an all-inclusive, participatory approach involving students, teachers, and the local community.
Pacuare Reserve Education
Pacuare Reserve, an organization in Costa Rica, leads an Environmental Education Program that promotes literacy and focuses on ecosystem services, sustainable living, and ecology. The program includes four components to contribute to the sustainable use of coastal marine resources. One of the objectives is the Sustainability Leaders Program, which aims to encourage children in local communities to develop environmental stewardship and conservation attitudes.
NatureBridge
NatureBridge is an organization that offers overnight, environmental science programs for youth, taking them out of the classroom and into nature. These programs allow students to learn scientific principles firsthand, explore ecological concepts, collaborate with their classmates, and apply their learnings in real-time while discovering the joy of the outdoors.
Play-Based Learning in Ecotourism Sites
A study conducted on play in ecotourism sites supports children in learning about nature and building a relationship with it. Ecotourism sites, such as national parks, are excellent learning spaces for children to get familiar with nature and build a relationship with it. This idea stems from the environmental stewardship premise, which considers children as active participants in nature and learning.
Conclusion
Eco-educational programs for children in ecotourism play a significant role in promoting environmental awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature. These programs help children develop a love and care for the natural world by learning about nature and how life is connected to it. By participating in these programs, children can gain a thorough understanding of what it means to be environmentally friendly and contribute positively to society.