Learning about the importance of nature

Education and awareness-raising in the Philippines // Education and awareness-raising in the Philippines // Education and awareness-raising in the Philippines

From Awareness to Actions for Nature Conservation

From 2019
Palawan Island, Philippines

This program aims to raise public awareness of the importance of nature and the threats it faces. It aims to generate concrete actions and solutions to these challenges, and to improve the resilience of local populations.

Key success stories

Weekly Educational activities linked to the environment for HTU kindergartens from 2019 to 2020.
Environmental education training for science teachers at HTU and various curricula at Palawan State University in 2019.
Creation of Binturong Month, including various events, since 2023.
Establishment of a partnership with Palawan State University (PSU) since 2024.
Weekly environmental education program at Irawan Elementary School, since 2024.
Partnerships underway with various universities, including Holy Trinity University (HTU) and Western Philippines University (WPU).

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The challenge: nature's growing pains

Our planet is currently facing numerous threats, such as pollution (air, water, soil), deforestation and climate change. Faced with this reality, it's vital that we take the initiative. Indeed, as Robert Swan OBE once said, "the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it". Whether it's our consumption of energy or food, for example, we all have the power to choose a form of consumption that is more respectful of people and nature.

Rubble - Aborlan forest, Palawan Island, Philippines. Credit R. Perrucaud

Goals: raising awareness and taking action

Tree planting - Palawan Island, Philippines. Credit M. Vergniol

This program has two main aims:

Raising awarness to generate curiosity about the natural world around us, and realize its importance. Indeed, we are dependent on Nature and its proper functioning. By becoming aware of our impact, we can all take positive action to counter the threats facing Nature.
Generate concrete actions for the protection and conservation of Nature, such as initiation to zero waste, being consum'actors (choosing local and seasonal food, for example), planting trees of local species or having a more eco-responsible consumption of water and electricity.

Our action: finding concrete solutions and taking local action

In order to achieve these goals, ABConservation plans to create several actions with our current local partners or by creating new partnerships.

Class taught at Irawan Primary School, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Credit: L. Chatagnat.

Educational program in schools

In 2024, we created a environmental education program for elementary school. Since November 2024, we have been running weekly courses at Irawan elementary school. The program is divided into 5 themes: Environment, contamination and waste; Environmental protection; Environmental quality; Climate and natural phenomena; Natural resources. Through this project, the aims are to raise awareness of environmental issues, provide an understanding of natural systems, develop and diversify environmental skills (waste reduction, energy efficiency...), and promote sustainable lifestyles.

The aim is to extend the program to a larger number of schools, and to train teachers so that they can continue to work in the same way. stand-alone environmental awareness campaigns.

Binturong Month

As part of the World Binturong DayEvery year, on the second Saturday in May, we celebrate Binturong Day with a series of events aimed at raising awareness among schools, universities, health centers and local communities. To mark the occasion, a range of educational and awareness-raising activities are developed and deployed to raise awareness of the binturong, provide information on the threats facing the species and, more broadly, promote a more sustainable approach. awareness of environmental issues. Particular attention is paid to existing solutions as well as concrete actions that everyone can do at their own level to help preserve biodiversity and, more generally, the environment.

Outside this month, we also organize occasional awareness-raising activities in schools, universities, local communities and at environmental events.

Binturong Month 2024 in the community of Langogan. Credit D. Pagal.

Escape game at Palawan State University, Binturong Month 2024. Credit J. R. Fontanilla.

Players in the field: essential local partners

These projects would not have been possible without the help of: Ma'am Laida Mascarenas (DepEd), Atty Carlo Gomez and Myla Adriano (City ENRO), Lota Alcantara-Creencia (WPU), Dr. Ronald Edilberto A. Ona and Angelo Garcia (PSU), Jocilyn Alonzaga (Kiwanis Young Professional) and Mrs. Villaos and Mrs. Rodriguez (PCSD).