By definition, environmental education is one of the ways to share knowledge, values and practices about the environment. For what purpose? It’s objective is to raise awareness of how important it is to protect it and to lead a healthier and more sustainable life in the future.
For young children, environmental education is one of the milestones for better planet and future. As for us, its what defines a responsible citizen. It is an important thing to explain to all generations, in order to respect the right of all living beings to live in a dignified environment.
This is what being a environmental educator means, Do you agree? Keep reading to find why environmental education is so important, it’s role and objectives.
Why is environmental education important?
Environmental education plays a key role for children, and for adults as well. It help us explain and learn to be aware and protect the ecosystem in a fair and sustainable way.
Environmental education is important because it balances different aspects, such as society, nature, politics and the economy, within an ethical framework that leads us to live respectfully and in harmony with our shared environment.
4 Dimensions of Environmental education
In the field of environmental education, there are four key dimensions that can lead to positive and effective environmental awareness. These 4 components are:
Ecology basics and fundamentals
Children learn about the ecosystems and natural processes that sustain life. A good example is exploring the wetlands of Iberá, learning about local wildlife like the Yacaré Overo or capybaras, and understanding how these species are part of a larger ecosystem.
Eco friendly educational activities might involve guided nature walks or visits to conservation areas where kids can observe and learn about these animals in their natural habitats.
Conceptual awareness
Ecological awareness helps children link what they learn to their daily actions. For example, they might discover how reducing plastic use can help protect the Paraná River and its aquatic life. Practical activities could include workshops on creating eco-friendly crafts using recycled materials or participating in local recycling programs.
Research and problem assessment
Kids are encouraged to think critically about environmental issues. One of the main goals of environmental ediucation is that kids learn how to assess sustainable and effective solutions.
In Corrientes, they might research the impact of agriculture on the local ecosystem or study how deforestation affects the Iberá wetlands. Problem-solving activities could involve assessing the health of a nearby river or brainstorming ways to promote water conservation in the community.
Actionable insights
Finally, environmental education empowers children to take action. A good exampple is how children participate in hands-on activities, like planting native trees to support reforestation efforts, helping to create a butterfly garden, or joining in a community clean-up day to remove litter from local parks.
These actions show them that even small efforts can make a big difference in preserving the environment. We leave you a video from our Instagram where children go through these levels of environmental education.
objectives of environmental education
Environmental education can be a fun activity for children. The goal is that they learn about their environment and how to respect it, so that in the future they are able to manage their activities in a better way. Environmental education defines a sensitivity for being less harmful to nature, and raising awareness with future generations.
As with every early childhood education project, there are some tips to make the environmental education for kids more effective:
- Raise awareness among children of environmental concerns and nurture environmental sensitivity in them.
- Encourage interest in engaging with and improving the environment.
- Provide children with information and insights about the environment that surrounds them.
It is a shared responsibility of both schools and parents to promote the education of children by helping them understand the environment and carrying out activities in the fields of energy, landscape, air, water and wildlife.
What Environmental Education Means for Us
At Hotel Puerto Valle, we are committed to making a real difference in the world, fostering environmental education and shaping a more sustainable future for all. We believe that together, we can create a greener future for generations to come.
Nature is our home, and it is our responsibility to care for and preserve it for future generations. So, at Puerto Valle, we invite everyone to join us on this journey and learn together about the important role of the natural environment we live in.
At Hotel Puerto Valle, we are confident we can join efforts to create a greener and more sustainable future. Together, we can make a real difference and build a healthier future for our planet.