Towards Integration of Sustainable Environmental and Biodiversity Conservation in Secondary Schools Students Extra-Curricular in Tanzania: Where do We Start?

Abstract

In this paper the approach to integrate sustainable environmental and biodiversity conservation in secondary schools students’ extra-curricular is presented. The proposed approach is based on the case study from the East Usambara Biosphere Reserve in Tanzania, on a pilot project on environmental education in schools being developed by the UNESCO Office in Tanzania. The paper is based on the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD, 2005-2014) that highlights the need for engagement of people through innovative ways of learning about biodiversity by focusing on education and training to address the interlinking issues of ecosystems and livelihoods, the interactions of nature with culture, society and economy, and the actions that can be taken without affecting peoples quality of life. In developing the entry point to sustainable environmental and biodiversity conservation various key environmental and biodiversity challenges were identified in a participatory approach and the basic approaches to integrate sustainable management on the extracurricular activities of students in secondary schools were also identified. Literature review, validation workshops with teachers, students and elders in the areas surrounding East Usambara Biosphere Reserve were the main methodological approaches used. Environmental issues identified which are presented in this paper include high dependence on forest and forest related products notably Timber and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs);illegal gold mining by artisanal miners; soil degradation contributed by poorly managed agricultural activities; forest degradation attributed to farmers involved in illegal and unsustainable land use practices; increased demand and treatment costs of water from Zigi River; soil erosion; erosion of local knowledge and local practices.  Other issues identified are population growth, inadequate participation and involvement of community in environmental conservation, inadequate environmental education and poaching, and climate change. Various extra-curricular activities are proposed as a way to address the impacts. The pilot chooses to propose the establishment of students clubs as a vehicle to ensure sustainable environmental and biodiversity management in the area surrounding East Usambara Biosphere Reserves in Tanzania and elsewhere in the world, a strategy that this paper strongly supports.

Keywords: climate change, ecosystem services, livelihoods, participatory approach, quality of life