Dolphins as Islands’ Rangers: Environmental Education Program for the Children in Primary School in Ponza And Sant’Antioco, Italy
Project location: ITALY, Ponza, Sant’Antioco
Project start date: May 2011 -
Project end date: This project covers various years
Project number: 2011-42
Beneficiary: MAREVIVO
The project entails the implementation of a number of classes across both primary and secondary schools. The classes have the objective of training students to enable them to become "Guardian Dolphins of the Island" through the promotion of a greater awareness and sense of responsibility with regards to the island's resources. One of the key characteristics of the project is to organize specific thematic events and focus-lessons, where the students are able to interact with conservation experts, local trade associations and other local entities.
The project has already been carried out with great success on the islands of "Sant'Antioco" and "Ponza" at the following schools, where both primary and secondary school students were able to participate:
• Istituto Comprensivo Sant'Antioco
• Istituto Comprensivo di Ponza
The schedule included an initial set of theoretical classes which were held indoors and assisted by the student's teachers. After the students had receieved these initial classes to provide them with basic knowledge and introductory concepts, a series of outdoors activities were organised between February and June 2012. All the support material required was specifically prepared and tailored by Marevivo's experts. The students were also provided with "Marevivo" and "Fondazione Peretti" hats and caps in order to promote greater cohesion among the group. The participation of local and national media was also promoted throughout the project, resulting in numerous articles and news reports on the activities carried out and on the initiative as a whole.
The following activities were carried out on the island of "Ponza"
February 2012
DISCOVER THE SEA AND THE PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Introduction to the marine ecosystem through an observation of the plants and animals observable from the beach. Guided activities related to ecological and marine biology themes carried out on the "Sant Antonio" beach. Thanks to the support of the local Navy, students were able to observe a Navy boat on duty near the port of Ponza. Students also met the National Forest Rangers who explained their profession and work.
March 2012
THE SECRETS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN VEGETATION AND ROCKS
Excursion on the "Punta Incenso" pathway on the island to understand the features and adaptations of the Mediterranean vegetation, but also to observe the rocks which disclose the geological nature of the island.
GONE WITH THE WIND
Students were able to understand the basics of sail boat navigation through the contribution of the instructors from the "Compagnia di Trinchetto", who provided an introduction on themes such as the study of the different winds.
April 2012
ARCHEOLOGISTS FOR A DAY
Interactive laboratory which was carried out by simulating an archeological site based around the island's Roman heritage. Activities were focused around the island's ancient history, with a particular focus on the roman empire.
THE GREAT FLIGHT: THE ISLANDS AND MIGRATORY BIRDS
Excursion at the bird observation and tracking station to understand and participate in the activities of the ISPRA ornitologists related to the migration of birds. Themes covered included biology, avian ecology and current threats to the conservation of birds.
May 2012
THE ISLAND FROM THE SEA
Boat excursion in the waters surrounding the island to observe the different types of coasts. Themes covered included erosion, coastal geomorphology and local history. A second excursion was also organised with the help of the Forest Rangers, to the "Zannone" island, the only island in the Ponzian archipelago to be included in the Circeo national reserve. During this activity students were able to observe a dolphin in its natural environment with the support of a biologist.
IMMERSION
Direct contact with the marine ecosystem through sea-watching activities: guided excursions in the sea with snorkelling gear, to learn about the organisms inhabiting coastal waters.
June 2012
AWARDS CEREMONY
The Mayor of the island and the teachers who participated in the project presented the students with their certificates at the awards ceremony. Students were provided with "Guardian Dolphin" badges and personalized material related to the activities performed and to the themes covered. Billboards and flyers were specifically produced and displayed for the occasion throughout the island.
The following activities were carried out on the island of "Sant Antioco"
March 2012
DISCOVER THE SEA
Introduction to the marine ecosystem through an observation of the plants and animals observable from the beach. This was organized in collaboration with the "Natura.net" cooperative. Guided activities related to ecological and marine biology themes were carried out on the "Sottotorre", "Maladroxia" and "Coaquaddus" beaches.
ARCHEOLOGISTS FOR A DAY
Interactive laboratory which was carried out by simulating an archeological site, in collaboration with the "Archeotur" cooperative. Activities were focused around the Museum and the five archeological sites managed by the cooperative.
April 2012
MAN AND THE SEA
Students met with local fishermen who illustrated the techniques and tools used for different types of fishing. Support was provided by the Marine Unit from the Forest Rangers who also explained their profession and duties.
THE SECRETS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN VEGETATION AND ROCKS
Excursion on several of the island's pathways to understand the features and adaptations of the Mediterranean vegetation and of the local geology.
May 2012
GONE WITH THE WIND
Onboard a 17 metre wooden sail boat, students were able to learn the basics of wind navigation. Themes covered also included coastal erosion and geomorphology. Activities were carried out with the support of "Sardinia Sailing" and were filmed by the "Linea Blu" television program, aired on Rai Uno.
IMMERSION
Direct contact with the marine ecosystem through sea-watching activities: guided excursions in the sea with snorkelling gear, to learn about the organisms inhabiting coastal waters. Activities were carried out with the support of Coral Reef Diving.
AWARDS CEREMONY
The Mayor of the island and the teachers who participated in the project presented the students with their certificates at the awards ceremony. Students were provided with "Guardian Dolphin" badges and personalized material related to the activities performed and to the themes covered. Billboards and flyers were specifically produced and displayed for the occasion throughout the island.
