Environmental education and popularization strategy: A vision from the National Aquarium of Cuba

Abstract

An improved update of the texts that were written more than 30 years ago at the National Aquarium of Cuba is presented, which has contributed to guaranteeing the continuity of environmental education that began 60 years ago. In light of the updating of these documents, the Strategy for Education and Popularization of Science of the institution is presented, which inserts as a novel aspect the concept of popularization of science in the Institution, an essential element in the knowledge and understanding of the results of science. immediately and effectively, with the aim of preparing people who are more aware and sensitized to the protection of the sea, the coastal zone and its valuable resources. The Strategy includes the “National Aquarium Environmental Education Program” that is nourished this time by three subprograms: Non-Formal, Formal and Audiovisual Media, which offer a vision of their general and specific objectives, as well as the methodology used and the evaluation of educational work. The subprograms contemplate programmatic activities that have reached more than 30 million visitors in the last 40 years. Statistical data is offered on the high numbers of participants in circles of interest that have been held since 1974 and on the Children's Scientific Conferences, scientific publications for children, young people and adults, and other events that have been held since 1994. Many others are also included. audiovisual activities and products, which are developed for the benefit of visitors and the population in general, both in the Aquarium and outside of it, all of which reinforces the importance of the strategy described.