The role of education in biodiversity conservation: Can knowledge and understanding alter locals’ views and attitudes towards ecosystem services?

Education programs can significantly enhance students' knowledge and attitudes toward ecosystem services, potentially contributing to biodiversity conservation. A study involving 180 secondary school students in the Ngorongoro District, Tanzania, found that an educational intervention increased their ability to identify ecosystem services and understand their importance, particularly in relation to threats like climate change, population growth, and land use changes. This suggests that integrating such programs into school curricula, especially for students near protected areas, could be a valuable tool in conservation efforts.

Børresen, S. T., Ulimboka, R., Nyahongo, J., Ranke, P. S., Skjaervø, G. R., & Røskaft, E. (2022). The role of education in biodiversity conservation: Can knowledge and understanding alter locals’ views and attitudes towards ecosystem services? Environmental Education Research, 29(1), 148–163. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2022.2117796