Reported by Achiraya Ponrakarn, Satarat Pankliao, Suchanan Prengkhuntod, and Seattawut Wattananont (AJYELN Thailand Fellows)
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Participants gained knowledge about the harmful effects of plastic waste on the marine environment through this activity. The presentation allowed them to observe the natural impacts of plastic pollution in mangrove forest, leading to a clearer understanding and heightened interest in addressing this timely issue.
- Participants also learned about the organisms inhabiting the mangrove forest, the benefits and roles of mangroves, and methods for conservation and preservation of natural resources. They had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, which provided a new and enriching experience for many participants.
INTRODUCTION
The mangrove planting activity aimed to raise awareness about plastic waste pollution and its impact on mangrove forests, which serve as vital habitats and food sources for various plant and animal species. Mangrove forests also play a crucial role in preventing coastal erosion and acting as natural filters for waste before it enters the sea. The event took place on November 30th, from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with transportation provided by Wachirathamsathit School’s van service. The activity was attended by 15 participants and 2 teachers, selected through a questionnaire screening process managed by AJYELN Fellows.
The primary objective of this activity was to create awareness of the environmental impact of plastic pollution while providing participants with hands-on experience in conservation practices.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Participants explored the mangrove ecosystem and observed various species living within it. They also witnessed the challenges posed by plastic waste in this environment. This first-hand experience enabled participants to gain a clearer understanding of the issues and inspired them to contribute to solving these problems.
OBSERVATIONS AND OUTCOMES
The participants were highly engaged and enthusiastic throughout the activity. They demonstrated a deep understanding of and thoughtful consideration toward the issues discussed. Moreover, they expressed interest in the way local communities manage environmental preservation alongside their livelihoods.
This activity successfully fostered environmental awareness and encouraged active participation in conservation efforts.
From the surveys conducted with students before and after the project, we observed notable differences in their responses. Students provided answers that reflected increased knowledge and a significant improvement in understanding. In the pre-project survey, when asked “How much do you know about the mangrove ecosystem?” 30% of respondents answered “a lot” 50% answered “moderate” and 20% answered “a little” However, in the post-project survey, over 80% of students answered “a lot” 20% answered “moderate” and 0% answered “a little” We are pleased to see that our project helped students gain a clearer understanding of plastic pollution. Below are the graphs showing the changes in student responses between the pre- and post-project surveys.
Comparison of students’ answers in the pre- and post-event survey:
