Unpacking the role of education as a tool for biodiversity conservation

Research summary

The main aim of this interdisciplinary research project is to enhance the understanding on the long-term impacts and effectiveness of Educational Programmes implemented in Natural Protected Areas as a biodiversity conservation strategy - including impacts on Local Environmental Knowledge. To do so, particular Educational Programmes implemented in Protected Areas in Finland and Madagascar have been selected as case studies context, providing a socio-ecological system approach, including human-wildlife conflicts, and also local community participation and LEK integration possibilities.

Description

The objectives of this research project are to a) determine the state of art of EPs as biodiversity conservation tools in PAs; b) evaluate the long-term impacts of Educational Programs in terms of biodiversity conservation effectiveness in Protected Areas; and c) analyse the extent, process, and impacts of LEK incorporation into the design and planning of Educational Programs in Protected Areas.

First article published as part of this project:
https://www.journalmcd.com/index.php/mcd/article/view/mcd.v15i1.6

Research info

Research title
Unpacking the role of education as a tool for biodiversity conservation

Research timeline
1.1.2018 - 1.12.2022

Keywords
biocultural approach conservation education environmental education evaluation global South local environmental knowledge practitioners theory of change

Region
Africa

Countries
Array

Institution
University of Helsinki
Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Helsinki, Finland

Funding instrument
Other

Head of research
Aina Brias Guinart

Research team
Dr. Mar Cabeza, Dr. Aili Pyhälä

Contact information
Aina Brias Guinart
+358401643152
aina.briasguinart@helsinki.fi
Open link

Record last updated
22.6.2021