Trends in environmental education in the English-speaking Caribbean

Abstract

The majority of the islands in the English-speaking Caribbean rely heavily on tourism and agriculture to fuel economic growth. Both "industries" are dependent upon the natural resources being managed sustainably. This demands an approach to education that fosters positive attitudes towards the environment, and which translates into positive action to maintain the integrity of the region's natural resource base. Traditional approaches to formal education about the environment have not achieved a high level of behavioural change. However, innovative strategies spearheaded by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based groups are beginning to yield positive results. Successful campaigns to save endangered fauna, an increase in conservation-minded groups and voluntary organizations working to protect and enhance the environment, increase in materials to heighten awareness, and the involvement of non-traditional media, all attest to the positive direction that education about the environment is taking