In 2024, the fourth meeting of the countries participating in the MangRes Project was held at the Northwest Amotapes-Manglares Biosphere Reserve in Tumbes, Peru. Since 2022, UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), with support from the government of Flanders, has been implementing this project in the mangrove ecosystems of seven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The initiative aims to integrate scientific and local knowledge to advance ecosystem restoration while supporting communities in their conservation and restoration efforts.
By restoring and conserving mangroves in biosphere reserves, the project enhances the ecosystem services provided by these environments, including their ability to capture and store carbon, protect coastlines, and improve resilience to climate change. Additionally, it supports biodiversity sustainability and strengthens the economic livelihoods of local communities.
One of the primary goals of the MangRes Project is to implement restoration campaigns that combine scientific and local knowledge while promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and empowering new generations. In Tumbes (Peru), the Manglares Consortium, composed of local fishermen's groups, is actively involved in restoring and conserving the mangroves of the Northwest Amotapes-Manglares Biosphere Reserve. They also support crab farmers and raise community awareness about the importance of these ecosystems. Teachers Anani Martínez and Rubén Peña lead educational activities with children in local public schools.
"It is concerning, worldwide, the natural disturbances that are observed, as well as the consequences of the impacts generated by human intervention," says Peña, adding that until a few years ago, the importance of educating the Tumbes community about mangroves was overlooked. Today, the situation is different, he explains. A few years ago, there was no discussion about the importance of educating the Tumbes community about mangroves. However, the scenario has changed now. In this interview, both teachers share their perspectives and achievements in fostering awareness and conservation of the mangroves.
What can you tell us about your efforts to raise awareness and conserve the mangroves in Tumbes (Northwest Amotapes-Manglares Biosphere Reserve)?
Anani Martínez: This year, I am responsible for leading Educational Institution 129 El Bendito. Additionally, I have taken on the challenge of sparking interest in the students, so that they become aware of how fortunate and blessed they are to have the privilege of being surrounded by mangroves and being able to make a living from them. For this reason, they have been educated on the importance of caring for the environment, understanding the significance of our ecosystem, and respecting the lives of both crabs and black shells. We are also working on creating stories related to the conservation of the ecosystem.
Rubén Peña: During the first period of our management contract for the Tumbes Mangroves National Sanctuary, from 2008 to 2012, the environmental education component was included in our technical proposal for the contract. This component was aimed at students from educational institutions located in the buffer zone of the Sanctuary. As a supporting strategy, teachers worked with workbooks. These were distributed from kindergarten to secondary school, and teachers had their respective methodological guides to develop meaningful activities.
With the extractors' organizations, we also carried out awareness-raising work through self-learning groups focused on environmental development. The meetings were held at night in their neighborhoods, and to ensure better understanding, we used appropriate local language. In this way, little by little, they began to understand the importance of our ecosystem.
What is the importance of promoting education for sustainable development, as advocated by UNESCO, and how has the MangRes Project contributed to this goal?
Anani: Students have become more aware of the resources available to them and are eager to learn about the importance of flora and fauna in their environment. They are increasingly involved in addressing local environmental issues. To integrate students with their surroundings, we teach dances inspired by crabs and shells, which allow them to express the richness of their community through art and share it with others.
ܲé: Historically, our ancestors, dating back to Pre-Inca times, passed down techniques for extracting hydrobiological resources. These traditional skills continue to be practiced today and are vital for future generations tasked with conserving our ecosystem.
The MangRes Project has been pivotal in reestablishing environmental education programs in the province of Tumbes and Zarumilla. By fostering a culture of conservation among young people, we are creating environmental brigades that raise awareness within their families and communities. Students actively lead initiatives such as beach and estuary cleanups, demonstrating their dedication to ecosystem preservation.
What advice would you offer to other teachers to foster communication, participation, and awareness among children about preserving mangroves and the environment?
Anani: It is important for teachers to schedule learning activities to spark students' interest in understanding and appreciating the wealth with which those of us who live in the province of Zarumilla are privileged, and also to promote an exchange with students who are far from this ecosystem.
ܲé: It would be very important for young people to have the opportunity to visit our sanctuary, as it is a natural laboratory and can help us carry out many conservation efforts. There is a saying that goes: “To love and conserve something, we must first know it.”
As a strategy to raise awareness among the population, years ago we had a radio program on Saturdays, where young people participated, discussing topics exclusively about the environment and the importance of our mangroves. In this way, we were able to reach out to the communities and help ensure the quality of life for the families of our extractors.
How can we further strengthen youth engagement and action at the community level for mangrove restoration?
Anani: It would be relevant for the environmental brigades of educational institutions to visit these areas, guided by representatives of the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (SERNANP), and participate in workshops on protection and conservation, as all educational institutions have environmental brigades.
ܲé: By incorporating specific environmental education topics into the national curriculum design, properly diversified and contextualized, we can ensure that our young people have access to all the information related to the conservation of our ecosystem. Hopefully, this effort can be made for the benefit of our future generations.
Programa sobre el Hombre y la Biosfera (MAB)
El programa MAB tiene por objetivo establecer las bases científicas para mejorar la relación entre las personas y el entorno en el que viven.
