Environmental education of coastal communities to protect biodiversity in the Sabana-Camagüey Ecosystem

Abstract

Experiences of a Network of Capacity Building Centers for Integrated Coastal Management (CCC/ICM, in Spanish) are described, as an environmental education output of Phase 3 of the UNDP/GEF Sabana-Camagüey Project. These experiences are centered in capacity building of workers of prioritized sectors as tourism, fisheries and agriculture/forestry within this ecosystem, as well as in coastal communities linked to biodiversity conservation, integrated coastal management and environmental management. “Target groups” have been identified and include workers from these sectors, women, teachers, primary school children, and decision makers.  Ongoing CCC/ICM operation has enabled integration efforts at local level, to offer alternatives and knowledge on biodiversity protection and sustainable natural resource management in coastal areas of the Sabana Camaguey Ecosystem. These purposes are implemented through capacity building actions, coordinated with national entities of prioritized sectors. The CCC/ICM is in charge of developing diverse activities with coastal communities, by using of popular environmental education methods.  At each municipality, a coordinating group integrated by representatives of each prioritized sector, jointly with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), local governments, education sector, specialized NGOs and other important economic sectors, is operating. It identifies training needs and elaborates training and environmental education programs, under the direction of a national project’s focal point. All the coordinations to execute foreseen actions are made in an integrated way by the centers belonging to the network with the participation of involved local stakeholders.