Our environmental education project "WIPerú Educa", which was launched by our forest guardian Ana-Paula Bezzolo, proves once again that nature conservation takes place on many levels. Through joint projects, the WI Peru team aims to provide people living near our protected areas with even more knowledge and arguments as to why it is important to take action now and protect the rainforest and its inhabitants. Only by building understanding and creating a connection can we hope for active cooperation and support in our protected areas. An important key for long-term change.
The mission of environmental education is to restore the connection between people and nature, and I am honored to contribute to this as the coordinator of the WI Peru Environmental Education Project. I firmly believe that there is good in everyone, and the Madre de Dios community is no exception. Conservation is an arduous and complex task, and environmental education and constant interaction with people is one of the most powerful tools for success.
Ana-Paula Bezzolo
Coordinator of "WIPerú Educa"
In August 2024, the environmental education project was launched with two target groups: the young people on site and the communities around the protected area. The Laberinto district, for example, which borders the Secret Forest, relies heavily on mining. We hope to offer members of the community new perspectives and build a more sustainable future together with the younger generation.
In collaboration with the Javier Heraud School in nearby Puerto Rosario, Ana-Paula's team has already implemented three projects in which young people have been able to experience nature on their doorstep. Among other things, the pupils have also visited our research station in the Secret Forest, where a "green classroom" is currently under construction. In the future, school classes will be welcomed there regularly.
Project 1: "Eureka":
The WI Peru team was invited to serve as judges at the national science fair “Eureka,” evaluating projects from elementary and middle school students. Conversations during the event also revealed the school’s financial struggles. In response to this situation, the idea was born to offer training sessions for teachers — not only to strengthen their existing skills but also to support them in developing new ones, such as scientific writing and conducting their own research.
Project 2: "!Vámonos al Monte!":
Night hikes, bird watching, introductory courses in ornithology and herpetofauna - the students' visit to our research station was one of the highlights in November 2024. The aim was not only to dispel existing misunderstandings and myths about the rainforest and its inhabitants, but also to establish a positive connection to local biodiversity.
Project 3: Green school
The director of the Javier Heraud School asked the WI Peru team to help him and his students bring the school's formerly green areas back to life. Initially, he only asked for seeds, but our agroforestry and botany specialists, Simón and Gaby, didn’t miss the opportunity to also share their knowledge with the children: from choosing the right plants to understanding ideal soil conditions and using the best tools for the job.
Impressions of the visit by pupils from the Javier Heraud School to our research station in the Secret Forest.
There was plenty for the pupils of the Javier Heraud School to discover in the Secret Forest.
Forest ranger Ana-Paula dispels prejudices against the inhabitants of the rainforest.
Once our green classroom is finished, projects like these will surely take place more often.
In an area where gold mining is so important and puts food on the table for many families, it is not a matter of course that people are concerned with sustainability and nature conservation.
This makes it all the more important to raise awareness of environmental problems, impart knowledge about ecological relationships, and promote a willingness to actively support sustainability and nature conservation. In order for us to succeed in the long term, the support and understanding of the communities in the surrounding areas is essential. With its initial projects, the WI Peru team is making a name for itself and addressing the needs of the people.
Mazuko:
In nearby Mazuko, the WI Peru team set up a stand at the annual town festival to raise awareness of rainforest conservation and encourage a sustainable lifestyle with educational materials and fun activities.
Puerto Maldonado:
With a bat festival on Halloween, the WI Peru team wanted to show that bats absolutely do not deserve their bad reputation. Ana-Paula and her team dispelled common myths about bats on site and told visitors about their crucial ecological role in the Amazon region: among other things, they ensure the distribution of plant seeds that are vital for local biodiversity.
University of San Antonio de Abad del Cusco:
With a conference on “Sustainable Environmental Management in the Southern Amazon,” the university naturally hit the core of our mission. That’s why it was especially rewarding that the WI Peru team was invited to give four presentations at the event, covering topics such as flora and fauna, our agroforestry project, and the connection between civil society and a social commitment to conservation.
Visitors to the bat festival in Puerto Maldonado were given more appreciation and understanding for these often misunderstood creatures.
Thanks to Chris Ketola, our Head Field Research Coordinator and bat expert, participants were able to see these fascinating creatures up close.
Our delegation from WI Peru at the conference on "Sustainable Environmental Management in the Southern Amazon" in Cusco.
The team was able to teach interested visitors a lot about the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest.
Students and teachers asked questions, actively participated in discussions and showed interest and willingness to get involved in WI Peru themselves in the future.
"WIPerú Educa" can already be considered a success after the past year. Step by step, we are raising awareness locally of how important biodiversity and the rainforest ecosystem are for our future.
You can find out how our environmental education program will continue in 2025 in the next article.
Text: Sarah Sassenhagen
