Nature Education. Introduction to best practices from around the world. Beijing Forest Society, December 2013 Frits Hesselink Emeritus Chair IUCN CEC

Transcription

1 Nature Education Introduction to best practices from around the world Beijing Forest Society, December 2013 Frits Hesselink Emeritus Chair IUCN CEC

2 Content IUCN & CEC Nature education context and concepts Psychology: why isn t our brain green? Nature education: best practices principles some do s and don ts How CEC can help

3 Where we are from? International Union for the Conservation of Nature - IUCN Oldest and largest environmental organization founded in Governments & 700 NGOs members, 6 Commissions ( experts), offices all over the world President: Dr Zhang Xinsheng (China) Cradle of environmental conventions (UN observer status) Platform for dialogue & innovation Knowledge products that help implementation of conventions, national policies and practices (Red List, PA database etc.) On the ground projects, i.a. in China Commission on Education and Communication - CEC Knowledge network since experts worldwide in learning, communication, change management Chair: Dr Juliane Zeidler (Namibia) Instrumental for the development of environmental education and the CEPA paragraphs in Agenda 21 & the environmental conventions Mandate from IUCN members with focus on Aichi Target 1; capacity development; nature based solutions Examples of recent commission Aichi Target 1 and capacity development activities on next page

4 Aichi Target 1 & Capacity development not_loss_/

5 Nature education: legal context Formal Education System (schools, universities) Informal or non-formal education Different approaches in different countries towards inclusion of nature, environment or sustainable development in curricula Mostly no legal context for nature education Often integrated in national conservation or sustainable development policies with financial support from government

6 Overall objectives

7 Not only for kids

8 Nature education practices Schools Interpretation centres Museums Historic sites Parks Art galleries, Nature centres Zoos Aquaria Botanical gardens Nature reserves and a host of other heritage sites.

9 Nature education practices Guided walks Talks Drama Field stations Displays Signs Labels Artwork Brochures Games Audio-guides Audio-visual media.

10 Education challenge We understand forests. Do we also understand the people? Why aren t they listening?

11 What person are you? Rational Cost/Benefit decisions Emotional Instincts and habits

12 What is more Effective?

13 What is more Effective?

14 It is all psychology! Left: Rational brain Factual information Right: Emotional brain Sensory information

15 Why toasting? We like experiences that appeal to all levels of our senses!

16 Test yourself!

17 What drives behavior? Habit Decisions are governed by habit, emotion, vaslues and instincts Social proof We are influenced by what others around us are doing Infrastructure The physical environment affects how we behave.

18 Three core ideas from psychology: 1. People are happiness seekers. Connecting with people's desire for happiness triggers positive change qualities like creativity, cooperation and openness to change. Appeal to these emotions. 2. People are social. People are natural imitators. So play into the idea what is normal and make visible sustainable behaviours of individuals and organizations, so that they become normal. 3. People want to be good. They want to protect innocent others, and to be fair to others. Frame issues as social justice and make people to live up to their values in their lifestyle, in their organizations and as members of civil society.

19 Perceptions of Nature Cultural landscape Mother Earth Respect Fear Dominance Subversion Interdependence Productive landscape Species

20 Connect nature to values Status Security Reputation Tradition Do not try to sell values of nature Satisfaction Selfesteem Excitement

21 Nature Education Bridging the gap between nature and people by linking nature to their values and giving them a meaningful experience

22 Planning, preparation and developing ideas with stakeholders are key to success.

23 Ecological and Cultural Knowledge of the area captured in messages and stories

24 Offer opportunities for the audience to make connections between nature experience and daily life

25 Knowledge of perceptions, experiences of the audience respecting its diversity

26 Clear communication objectives

27 Recognition that inspiration, passion and emotion drives action and behavior

28 Be specific, hands-on, practical, active methods, involve many senses

29 Do not use too much text

30 Explain why the natural feature is there and give a sense of awe and wonder

31 Connect with leasure trends of hiking and biking

32 Nature Education Link key aspects of the area to basic values of audience and let them experience! Do not just explain nature

33 IUCN CEC can help! CEC can connect you with members worldwide specialized in nature conservation and has access to professional associations and in many countries. Cecilia Nizzola-Tabja, CEC Focal Point in IUCN HQ

34 Questions? Frits Hesselink Emeritus Chair IUCN CEC

35 Group work 1. What are the key audiences for your area? 2. What are the key stories of your area? 3. What would you like to change in visitors? 4. What would be key messages? 5. What means would best convey those messages? 6. What role could local communities play?