As the global population continues to increase, it becomes
more and more important to conserve the precious resources we have available to
us. Every person on the planet has a role in conserving energy, water,
food, land and wildlife. Lots of countries have great ideas about how to
do this. Let’s take a look at five examples from around the world of how
to conserve!
Costa
Rica - Costa Rica has a history of adopting policies to help
conserve the country’s environment. 25% of their territory is set aside
as a national park or protected area (The Green Republic by Sterling Evans).
They have one of the most densely populated countries in regards to
biodiversity
Tip: Have cards available to demonstrate Costa Rica’s
biodiversity:
Butterfly-Banded
Peacock
Red Eyed Tree
Frog
Striped basilisk
(lizard)
Mantled Howlers
(monkey)
Scarlet Macaws
France
-
Paris is home to a bike-sharing system where people can rent and return bikes
at stations around the city. This helps people cut down on energy usage
through transportation. They do not have to use their cars, buses or even
the subway in order to get around easily!
Curitiba,
Brazil - Curitiba is referred to as Brazil’s ecological
capital. Smart urban planning and political cooperation turned this city
into an example of environmentally friendly city living. Builders are
encouraged to put green spaces into their designs, the city has a
comprehensive, affordable mass transit system, certain streets are closed to
motorized traffic, and people who live in shanty towns where trash pick-up is
not available are encouraged to come to the city to drop off their trash in
exchange for a free bus ticket. (wikipedia)
Activity:
Have students think about if they know any U.S. cities that
might be similar or how their own town is similar (good civil planning,
bike-friendly, etc). Can they think of anything else that might be
helpful to create a city that is environmentally friendly? Have them draw
a map for a city that is really conservation-conscious.
China - The
Chinese government, in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund has a National
Conservation Program for the Giant Panda. The program has enabled the
country to develop reserves for the panda where they can live free from
poaching or the threat of development. (World Wildlife Fund)
Activity:
Cut out and color your own panda masks. You can get a
mask outline at http://www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/halowen/PaperMasks/MaskPanda.gif
Senegal - For
people in Senegal, recycling is done on a personal level. Because there
is no recycling industry there, many people take out of use items from their
home to create new, useful things. For instance, old newspapers and other
papers are used to wrap food you buy on the streets. Some people even
turn their plastic bags into shoes. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4620041.stm)
Activity:
Have students bring in recycled glass jars to decorate and
use as drinking cups at home.
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