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Education Education is at the heart of environmentally responsible development. At the Belize Audubon Society, we believe that environmental problems can only be effectively solved if there is a clear understanding of the environment and its processes. The Society currently works with all audiences, including adults and children, as we believe that while it is important to shape the mindset of our future generations. The current adult population should also be a key target of environmental education as they are impacting the environment now. Educating Communities Bordering It is BAS policy to encourage the involvement of local communities in the management of our protected areas. In our efforts to build capacity among community members, enabling them to actively participate in park management, the Society has facilitated the training of residents of buffer communities. The Society offers training in basic skills in literacy, leadership, advocacy education for sustainability and planning as well as training in sustainable resource management and business planning. Communities participate in environmental awareness and sensitization in basic principles of conservation and are educated to the many benefits accrued from Belize's protected areas system network. This heightened awareness of the environment is meant to build a sense of stewardship among buffer community members for the protected areas. The skill building workshops are aimed at decreasing dependencies on the resources within the boundaries of the protected areas, decreasing the impacts of illegal incursions and exploitation of resources. School Education Outreach Belize Audubon Society' Education for Sustainability programme contains hands-on activities that are used to develop critical thinking skills and to challenge students to find solutions to environmental problems. BAS educational kits on different environmental topics help teachers fulfill their curriculum goals while bringing fun and enjoyment to learning about the natural world. School Visits BAS has a cadre of enthusiastic volunteers in the environmental education programme who are able to give presentations on environmental topics in primary schools. Thanks to these volunteers, hundreds of school children from around the country now have a greater awareness of the Belizean environment. Slide presentations on Belize's Natural heritage are most popular. The Society places its resources and technical expertise at the disposal of primary and secondary school educators and continues to work towards the increased environmental consciousness of our Belizean youths. Through its young environmentalist program, BAS supports the activities of environmental clubs and newsletters. Visiting Our Parks and Educational Centers There is so much to learn and enjoy at our protected areas. It is the aim of the Society to develop our protected areas and visitor centers as centers of environmental educational excellence where young people can enjoy the wonders of nature while deciphering its secrets. Each year BAS managed parks welcomes hundreds of students through their gates. The Belize Audubon Society welcomes all groups of students. Contact the Education Manager at education@belizeaudubon.org for more information and reservations or our office at 12 Fort Street. BAS Environmental Education program is made possible through the support of friends like you. Contact us with your pledge of support.
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