Mangrove Conservation in Macao SAR, China: The Role of Environmental Education among School Students

Abstract

Mangrove forests are one of the most ecologically valuable ecosystems in the world and provide a wide variety of ecosystem services to coastal communities, including cities. Macao, a highly urbanized coastal city located on the southern coast of China west of the Pearl River, is home to several species of mangroves with many associated flora and fauna. Mangrove forests in Macao are vulnerable to threats due to pressure from rapid and massive urban developments in the area, which led to mangrove loss in the past decades. To address this issue, the local authorities established special Ecological Zones for the management of the local mangroves. To reinforce local conservation efforts, educating the local population about the value of mangroves, especially school students, is of utmost importance. To evaluate the impact of environmental education activities on the environmental orientation, knowledge, and values of students toward mangrove conservation in Macao, a quasi-experimental study was undertaken. The effectiveness of a mangroves exhibition and field visit were evaluated using the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) Scale—Macao version in a group of local school students who participated in the activities. Overall, the results provided consistently positive evaluations of the impact of the environmental education program. The strongest improvements were found in the students’ pro-environmental orientations, knowledge about mangroves, and value for environmental protection.

Evaluating the Potential of Mangrove Phytoremediation for Mitigating Coastal Water Eutrophication in Macao SAR: A Field and Mesocosm Study

“…Environmental education and community engagement are crucial components for promoting the conservation and protection of mangroves. Recent research conducted in the city has demonstrated the effectiveness of environmental education activities in raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts for mangrove ecosystems [30]. The study reported consistently positive evaluations of mangrove-related environmental education programs, including exhibitions and field trips to coastal sites where mangroves grow.…”

Fostering Environmental Stewardship through Mangrove Ecotourism: A Study on Gili Sulat's Educational Impact

“…This supports the idea that direct exposure to unique environments, such as mangroves, can enhance students' understanding of ecological concepts and the value of biodiversity. Additionally, the significance of mangroves in educational settings is further supported by Tagulao et al (2022), who reported consistently positive evaluations of the impact of environmental education programs, emphasizing the role of such programs in raising awareness and influencing positive attitudes towards the preservation and conservation of marine ecosystems, including mangroves. These findings collectively highlight the educational and ecological significance of firsthand experiences in unique ecosystems, such as mangroves, in fostering a deeper understanding of ecological concepts and biodiversity appreciation among students.…”