Communicating conservation: Evidence of knowledge gains through a children's conservation club in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Abstract

Conservation education as a key element in fighting species extinction. One of the key objectives of environmental education is to promote pro-environmental behaviours; increasing knowledge and understanding are the first steps. An understanding of the forest and its links to human and wildlife health is essential to foster forest protection. We used NVivo 12 to evaluate a conservation education program based around the Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Two age groups were evaluated 7-10 years old (37 children) and 11-13 years old (35 children) in 2 sessions conducted approximately 9 months apart. We asked students to write an essay about their knowledge of the forest. Over the 9 months, children increased their use of words accurately associated with BNF activities (0 to 4%), conservation actions (0 to 2%) and forest threats (2 to 12%) as well as expressing more of an emotional connection to the forest and wildlife (0 to 5%). Children who had joined the club for >12 months showed an increase in knowledge about forest characteristics (25 to 30%) and wildlife species names (43 to 55%). While we can demonstrate clear awareness increase on environmental issues, changing mind-sets, attitudes and behaviours does require an in-depth vital experience. We strongly believe that non-formal education is a key complementary tool to inspire new generations to take action towards conservation and sustainable development.