Alice Trend

Snorkelling to Understand and Preserve Coral Reefs

Town/RegionCountryCategoriesDate
Alung Banua, Bunaken IslandIndonesiaAsia, Education, Marine11 Sep 2003

The aim of this project is to raise awareness of coral reef ecosystems in elementary school students in the village of Alung Banua.  Early understanding eventually will lead to protection and preservation of the local reef by the local community. Alung Banua is on Bunaken Island within Bunaken National Marine Park, Indonesia.

Alice currently provides weekly environmental education on the local coastal ecosystems for children ages 10 through 13 at the elementary school.

In-class education is supplemented by field trips to local mangrove and inter-tidal areas. When students snorkel and see for themselves the differences in fish and reef fauna diversity and density among non-existent, unhealthy and healthy coral reefs, they will be able to understand why they need to protect their reefs.

Final Report

January 2005

I have been teaching environmental education in two village primary schools in Bunaken National Marine Park. Coral reef ecology and habitat have been the focus this semester. Students learn in-class about where and how coral reefs exist along with why they are special and important. They have also learned what animals make their home in the reefs. These in-class lessons are followed by afternoon field trips down to the beach where they have learned how to snorkel and identify types of corals, healthy and unhealthy corals as well as common fishes. My students are thrilled by what they learn in class as well as what they able to spot and observe first-hand while snorkelling. They have already gained a new appreciation and understanding of their own special kind of backyard.


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