Environmental education is a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and act to improve the environment. As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions. The key components of environmental education are:
Mountains to Sea, Wellington delivers inspiring freshwater and marine education programs for schools and communities across the greater Wellington region. One of their programs, “Healthy Harbours” explores the link between land and sea through the waterways in the Porirua or Wellington catchments.
The program engages students by initially connecting them with the ocean through a snorkeling experience and then moves back up into the catchment to consider the issues associated with urban runoff through discovery walks.
As an extension to the program, groups of students actively monitor an at-source gross pollutant trap treatment device. By monitoring the device in different locations and considering the findings, the students gain greater awareness of the problems of marine pollution and a better understanding of the issues and the solutions thereby fostering kaitiakitanga and action for the environment.