Environmental Education in the Galapagos: 2007 Report to the Charles Darwin Foundation

Background: "Environmental education in the Galapagos: 2007 report to the Charles Darwin Foundation" is a report to the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) about the researchers observations about the status of environmental education in the Galapagos in 2006 and 2007. Purpose: This paper reports on environmental education in the Galapagos islands, and discusses the state of the formal education system and the effectiveness of CDF implemented environmental education programs. How has environmental education been implemented and is it being used by students and teachers? Setting: Islas de Galapagos, Ecuador from September 2006 to January 2007. Study Sample: Over 100 students, 6 teachers and administrators at one island high school, the Colegio Nacional Galapagos (CNG) in the departments of science, English and tourism. Intervention: Observations took place during and after: classroom instruction, field trips, and administrative meetings. Research Design: Qualitative; Interview; Epidemiological. Control or Comparison Condition: The comparison took place over five months (2006-07), and between statements found in existing literature about the experience of others at the same location. Data Collection and Analysis: Review of literature, observation and interviews at the Colegio Nacional Galapagos (CNG). Findings: In situ qualitative data about tertiary students' experiences found more needs to be done to improve environmental education, and support the formal school system in the Galapagos. Conclusion: The teachers and schools need outside support to improve the sustainability and conservation of these precious islands. Much support is necessary for the formal education in the islands, but it is important that it is implemented in a constructive and supportive way by working and through local educators, and not in a way that is overpowering and foreign to the Galapaguerian people. Citation: Citation: Stepath, C.M. (2007). Environmental education in the Galapagos: 2007 report to the Charles Darwin Foundation. Available at www.saveourseas.org/stepath.htm.