Learning about the importance of Nature

Education and awareness-raising in the Philippines //

From Awareness to Actions for Nature Conservation

From 2019
Palawan Island, Philippines

This programme aims to raise awareness of the importance and threats to Nature. It aims to generate concrete actions and solutions to these issues and improve the resilience of local populations. It has also led to the creation of an educational programme aimed at reaching a school-age audience.

Key success stories

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

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The challenge: increasing agony of the Nature

Our planet is currently facing a number of threats such as the pollution (air, water, soil), the deforestation or the climate change. In light of this, it is therefore essential that we take initiatives. Indeed, as Robert Swan OBE once said, "the greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it". Whether it is our consumption of energy or food, there are many examples to show that we all have the power to act more respectfullythe Humans and Nature on a daily basis. Because there is only one, let'sprotect our planet Earth.

Photograph of litter - Aborlan forest, Palawan Island, Philippines. Credit: R. Perrucaud

Goals: raising awareness and taking actions

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

This program has two main aims :

Raising awarness in a sustainable way for as many people as possible, of all ages and backgrounds. Generating curiosity about the biodiversity that surrounds us also means realizing its importance. Indeed, we are dependent on Nature and its proper functioning. By becoming aware of our impact, we can all act positively to counter the threats facing our planet.
Generate concrete actions for the protection and conservation of the environment with the initiation to zero-waste, to the concept of "consum'actors" (choose local and seasonal food for example), to the planting of trees of local species or to a more eco-friendly consumption of water and electricity.

Our action: finding concrete solutions and taking local actions

In order to achieve these objectives, ABConservation plans to set up a number of initiatives with local partners, both existing and in development.

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

Educational programme in schools

Lastyear,thecreated an environmental education programme for primary schools. Thus, since November 2024, we have been organising weekly classes at the Irawan primary school. The programme includes 5 themes: Environment, Contamination and waste; Environmental protection; Environmental quality; Climate and natural phenomena; Natural resources. Through this project, the objectives are to raise awareness of environmental issuesto provide an understanding of natural systemsto develop and diversify skills related to the environment (waste reduction, energy efficiency...), as well as promoting more sustainable lifestyles..

The aim is to extend this program to a larger number of schools. We would also like to trainteachers so that they can independently pursue environmental awareness actions.

Binturong Month

In the same spiritas the World Binturong Day, celebrated every year on the second Saturday of May, we set up, throughout this month, a series of events aimed at raising awareness among different audiences within schools, universities and local communities. On this occasion, various educational and awareness-raising activities are developed to highlightthe binturong, inform about the threats facing it and, more generally, promote an awareness of environmental issues. Particular attention is paid to the concrete solutions and actions that everyone can undertake at their own level, in order to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the environment.

Outside of this month, we also organise awareness-raising activities in schools, universities, local communities and at events related to the environment.

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

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

Actors on the ground: a strong team and key local partners

Currently in the Philippines, two people are in charge of the educational programme:

Lou Chatagnat, Education, Awareness and Communication Manager ;
Darlyn Sylvestre, Project Assistant, Education Programme Manager.

They are also supported by multi-national volunteers who take part in numerous educational events throughout the year.

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