The role of environmental education in changing school students’ percep- tions of and attitudes toward coral reefs in the Fernando de Noronha Ar- chipelago, Brazil

A significant shift in school students' perceptions and attitudes toward coral reef conservation was observed after targeted environmental education interventions at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil. The study found that approximately 25% more students expressed willingness to participate in reef conservation projects post-intervention, marking a transition from viewing corals primarily as economic resources for tourism to recognizing their intrinsic conservation value. The research employed educational activities, including the creation of a Reef Environment Museum, and used questionnaires to assess changes in knowledge and attitudes among 10-18-year-olds. It also highlighted the critical role of indirect actors, such as teachers and school personnel, in supporting these educational efforts.

Amaral, F. M. D. d., Santos, M. d. F. d. A. V., Melo, K. V. d., Fraga, C. F. d. O., Oliveira, G. F. d., Steiner, A. Q., & Pedrini, A. d. G. (2014). The role of environmental education in changing school students’ percep- tions of and attitudes toward coral reefs in the Fernando de Noronha Ar- chipelago, Brazil. Revista de Gestão Costeira Integrada, 14(4), 581–590. https://doi.org/10.5894/rgci513