Environmental and science education is the key to ensuring that future generations – those that will inherit the stewardship of Galapagos – will understand the value of conservation and sustainable development.
CDF uses a multi-pronged approach that includes teacher education, assisting with the development of school curricula, and education within non-traditional settings such as ecology clubs.
CDF helps build capacities among teachers and supports education administrators in incorporating environmental and science issues in the curriculum. Examples of this capacity building include CDF’s coordination with the Dirección Cantonal de Educación, the regional education authority, on its 2006 Canton Education Plan, and the “Teachers on Board” program where Galapagos teachers can take part in tourist cruises to parts of the archipelago that are normally out of the financial reach of local people.
As well as supporting formal education in Galapagos, CDF’s Communication and Participation staff identify and take advantage of opportunities to promote informal environmental and science education in Galapagos through local Environmental Education Centers and children’s ecology clubs with nearly 200 members on Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal Islands. Recent activities have focused on important topics such as invasive species and the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
One of CDF's most important and long-running initiatives is the development of a cadre of Ecuadorian and Galapagos conservation leaders. Through supporting university students in their degree and thesis work, and providing volunteer opportunities to Ecuadorians, CDF helps generations of conservation professionals to reach responsible positions.