Education for Sustainable Development: Promoting Marine Conservation through Local Initiatives in Karatsu

Embracing Education for Sustainable Development in Yobuko

NPO Karatsu Farm & Food, located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, is at the forefront of promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through hands-on experiences linked to marine conservation. On December 15 and 17, 2024, fifth-grade students from Yobuko Elementary School engaged in beach clean-up activities designed to connect environmental education with practical action, addressing local challenges while shaping the community's future. This initiative emphasizes the importance of children taking active roles in their education and environment.

Beach Clean-up Initiatives

In the second beach clean-up of the year held on December 15, students were not only tasked with collecting litter but also with sorting it afterward. This special session aimed to deepen their understanding of marine waste—a pressing issue in coastal areas influenced by seasonal winds and ocean currents. The students noted an increase in debris compared to previous clean-up efforts, highlighting the need for continued engagement with their environment.

The event saw participation from preschool children as well, fostering a spirit of camaraderie as older students guided their younger peers. The collaborative atmosphere enabled them to collectively tackle the clean-up while emphasizing teamwork and responsibility.

Sorting and Educational Reflection

Post-clean-up activities included a thorough sorting of the collected marine litter. This process was crucial for helping students comprehend the broader context of waste in the oceans, encouraging them to consider how refuse enters marine environments and what happens to it thereafter. Some items collected will be reused as educational materials for a scheduled learning presentation in February 2025, creating a continuous learning loop that is central to the ESD philosophy.

The beach clean-up provided a practical foundation for the subsequent marine education lessons conducted on December 17. During these lessons, students were able to reflect on their experiences and analyze the specific types of waste found locally, compared to the global issue of marine debris from overseas. They explored the implications of plastic waste and discussed the differences in marine conservation efforts, fostering critical thinking about their local ecosystem versus global challenges.

Encouraging Curiosity about the Ocean

To enrich their learning experience, students received a book titled "Aoi Hoshi no Aoi Umi" donated by the organization Think the Earth. This book is designed to expand their understanding and interest in marine environments through engaging photographs and illustrations, further enhancing their educational journey.

Building a Sustainable Future through Education

The fifth graders at Yobuko Elementary are now more aware of their local marine environment, actively thinking about ways to protect it. This educational journey will culminate in a learning presentation in February 2025, allowing them to share what they’ve learned and how they can act for the future of their community.

NPO Karatsu Farm & Food remains committed to collaborating with schools and local communities, aiming to advance environmental education through ESD methodologies. By empowering children and integrating them into vital environmental discussions, they pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for the coastal communities in Saga.