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Raisa led the group discussing modes of transportation. In this group, Jessica commented that the principle contaminants that exist on the planet are fossil fuels, like the diesel used by the buses. Stefano mentioned that the pangas which transport people to San Vicente are also a large cause of contamination in the estuary of the Rio Chone. Susy said that environmental education is very important because is shows us the importance of the environment. This is an example of of what one can learn, where the principal objective is to increase awareness of the benefits that the environment gives us, and that we should adopt a culture where we don't throw garbage on the street or ground. Roberto's group talked about how gardens or green spaces are small ecosystems where there is a large quantity of plants and animals. As an example, they pointed out the park we were all sitting in, where we observed the flowers of plants, butterflies, ants, bees, and in the trees saw birds such as Negros Finos, Doves and others. In my group we talked about sustainable planning. Joao commented that this essentially means finding a way to live in harmony with the environment. Population growth makes it so that people are constantly looking for new areas in nature to live, often times in a disorganized manner and without considering the consequences to the environment. As an example of sustainable planning, I pointed out the Bosque en Medio de las Ruinas (The Forest in the Middle of the Ruins), which is now an inner-city green space, where we can observe different species of flora and fauna. After analyzing the themes in groups, I gave the class a general summation of what we were learning. I told them that we need to try to minimize our use of cars and motorcycles and use more ecological taxis, walk and bicycle. We should adopt a culture of caring for our environment. And that our green spaces provide us with benefits such as fresh air and a place to see birds, animals, trees and plants.
Before returning back to Bahia, I told the students that everything we had seen forms part of our planet. But if humans don't become conscious of all of the life that surrounds us, future generations won't be able to appreciate it because it won't exist. I also explained that foreign species can disrupt the equilibrium of nature and that's why native species are so important. Because of all of this we need to become more aware of the benefits that nature provides.
- Ramon Translated by Clay. [Top]<<<<><><>>>>Ramon's Weekly Report #6Bioregionalism Education
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 Joao and Frank in the park. |
As usual we met in Bahia's main park for class on Wednesday. The theme for the day was Land Ecosystems. We split into two groups in order to conduct a debate with questions and answers. But before we began the debate, I defined what land ecosystems are. |
I told them that land ecosystems pertain to everything that exists on land, such as trees, mammals, reptiles, and others. All living beings on land have their place in land ecosystems. But humans pose the greatest threat to these ecosystems because we are destroying them. Now humans are beginning to realize the destruction that they are causing and around the world there are movements to recuperate and restore habitats. There are also programs to educate the people about the environment, such as the Bioregionalism classes.
After this the students answered the questions on their worksheets so that we could begin the debates. We made a large circle and Frank began by asking what impacts does a road have on the environment. Group two responded: the destruction of flora and fauna. Then Joao asked Cesar: what animals live in the forest? And he answered: squirrels, birds and snakes. Gladis, Stefano and the others also participated. Afterwards we said goodbye and everyone went home.
 Raul climbs into the drainage shortcut. |
For this week's field trip, we visited of El Bosque en medio de las Ruinas (The Forest in Middle of the Ruins). On the way to the park we walked up to the lookout from the cross, which overlooks Bahia. While there we took a short break and then climbed up into the cross. From the cross I talked to the students a bit about what composes the Bahia bioregion. The students took lots of pictures. Then we continued walking to the Ruinas park. On the way, we found a shortcut through a ditch. |
 Faviana and the class entering the Bosque en Medio de las Ruinas park. |
Then we arrived at the park and I showed the students all of the trees that have been planted by Planet Drum. We observed the steep hills that came down in the mudslides of the El Niņo Phenomenon in 1998. Frank said that the trees were very beautiful, but we also found where some of the trees had been cut by people who are not conscious of the importance of these trees in nature. |
 Carlos David, Camelita, Raul, Faviana, Gladis, Joao and Frank walking through the park. |
The kids had fun with Faviana because she was walking in flip-flops and had trouble on the hills. We were able to see many birds and everyone loved the trip. Joao even took videos of when we had to get down some of the hills. |
- Ramon
Translated by Clay.
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