What’s new at the Environment Division’s Education Department
The Ministry of Education in 2004 was approached by the Environment Division in regards to the inclusion of environmental concept into the local science curriculum. After a week of negotiations the suggestion was accepted and over a period of two years the infusion took place.
In 2006, environmental topics such as Biological Diversity, Climate Change and the effects of Natural Disasters on the environment were infused into our local science curriculum. This led to environmental science taught in our schools and students now have to prepare projects and school based assessment (SBAs) on the same for examinations such as the annual Common Entrance and Post Primary Examinations set by the Ministry of Education.
In an effort to assist the teaching faculties of both government and private schools on the island the Environment Division launched its formal education campaign. Students are encouraged to visit the Division for information needed to complete their projects and upon request from teachers or schools the Environment Education Officer would lecture, teach, make presentations to illustrate environmental topics, accommodate interviews, or arrange and facilitate field trips to various ecosystems on Antigua and Barbuda.
The environmental topics focused on for the 2008 National Evaluation Exams were Endangered Species, Ecosystems, the effects of Natural disasters on the Environment and Natural Resources. The Division received many requests for assistance from both students and schools. It was then felt that not only these topics should be taught or dealt with but there was an urgent need to sensitize the students about sustainable development, the importance of conservation, biodiversity and a project that Antigua and Barbuda have embarked upon “Sustainable Island Resource Management” (SIRM).
Many never heard of SIRM and its importance prior having it mentioned during sessions but it was explained that without this system in place the environment as we all know it would shortly fail to exist if conservation and protection were not implemented. The fundamental message that is attached to the SIRM is that our environment provides us with the necessities of and for life. We need to therefore protect it so that it can continue to suffice our needs by having better habits and practice using only the amount of resources needed, conserving energy, cease from destroying natural habitats and ecosystems, stop polluting or littering and start encouraging others to do the same.
We all need our environment but the question is, “Does the environment need us?” Therefore, the protection of the environment should be everybody’s business not only now but for futuristic use also. Remember, the challenge is real so join with us in the protection our environment from any further degradation by accepting the invitation that we extend to each and everyone to do his or her part in saving our EARTH.
Carol-Faye George
Environment Education Officer