Outdoor Environmental Education Space

Description

The national park welcomes more than 5,000 students each year from over 30 educational institutions, offering opportunities to learn about fauna, flora, and ecosystem conservation challenges. However, the absence of an appropriate space for educational and recreational activities limits the quality of these programs. To resolve this, the park will establish an environmental play and learning area of 600 to 800 square meters that can host more than 50 people. This space will provide a safe and pleasant environment while strengthening the park’s mission of environmental education.

The project was designed and will be carried out by park staff and local volunteers known as Ecoguards, who support conservation, monitoring, visitor education, and tourism activities. They will lead lessons focused on general environmental topics and the park’s unique ecology. At present, students stand in an open area near the park office for educational talks, a setup that is both uncomfortable and ineffective. Because the park’s limited budget must prioritize conservation and maintenance of existing facilities, grant funding is needed to create the new learning space.

Grant funds will be used to purchase materials and services from a waste management and recycled‑materials contractor who will construct 10 benches, 2 tables, and 10 educational signs. The space will also include a seashell floor and a small interpretive nature trail. Community members will contribute locally sourced filao wood and seashells, as well as labor, transportation support, site preparation, and long-term maintenance. Ongoing upkeep will be assigned to park staff by the conservator.