Promoting citizenship and environmental learning in the marine environment

Abstract

This thesis addresses the need to involve all members of society in marine environmental education, policy-making and stakeholder processes. Several strategies are considered. Firstly, marine environmental citizenship and the concept of joint responsibility as a way of enabling people to contribute meaningfully to marine environmental management processes. This incorporates the implementation of programmes that enable adults to participate in local environmental projects and the importance of using skilled volunteers in wildlife recording programmes. Chapter two outlines ‘A Citizens’ Day’ between school pupils and environmentalists that enables participants to take part in debates and environmental planning in real life situations. The thesis examines the effects of links between universities, industries and schools were pupils surveyed a coastal area and made 15 recommendations for its sustainable management which were implemented by industry employees. Intergenerational learning as a means of encouraging transfer of knowledge between generations was tested in depth during one study. The methods proved effective, the majority of the adults in the project claimed that their knowledge of their areas maritime heritage had increased significantly. ‘The Tale of the Herring’ project looked at the concept of sense of place education as a tool for promoting environmental citizenship and connecting young people to their marine environment. The results of the study concluded that this approach did encourage a feeling of belonging and a sense of responsibly for one’s local environs. Global marine citizenship was assessed through International Schools Partnership in Ghana and the UK. Schools carried out independent surveys of local coastal habitats and made recommendations to managers. Despite many differences in their lives, pupils’ recommendations had many similarities. Innovative methods of giving children who have Special Education Needs a voice in marine environmental citizenry were also investigated. The focus had special emphasis on fieldwork, enquiry-based and cross-curricula approaches to learning. Pupils’ believed that their work motivated their interest in science and gave them a sense of pride in their work. Finally the thesis explored the potential use of the creative arts as an effective means of communicating marine environmental messages.