permaculture

[Meng Lei <earthpassengers@gmail.com>]

Hi,
Involving students around the area might be a good start for you, as
you will have the support from the school or at least some teachers
from the school.  Students can help with many projects (for service
and for learning too) such as biological activities from wetland bird
watching to wetland species identification, etc.
after the basic data has been established, students can create
initiative to find out which species is native and which is not, or
what species are invasive...then they might be interested in helping
the public to be aware of the threat of exotic species to the wetland
(if it is a big issue in the area).  students may come up with many
ideas on their own as the project develops.

another project that is quite popular and successful in my country is
organizing a training program for the older kids (such as grade 7-9)
to become wetland interpretors.  according to my own experience,
although it usually takes a longer time for kids to feel comfortable
to interprete nature to the public, they do learn a lot just from  the
training process itself.  there is a great impact on their knowledge
about wetland, and in making the kids think positively towards
themselves as well.
if you are worried about the wetland being commercialized, involving
local communities, schools, families and parents of students, and let
them know the value of the wetland should be the first thing to do.

just some ideas,  hope this helps....






On Apr 12, 2005 1:33 PM, HS <wal@pc.jaring.my> wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> I have the opportunity to be involved in a 3000 hectare tropical wetland
> reserve project.  The wetland was envisioned by our government as a gift to
> the nation and future generations and to make it financially
> self-sustaining, various commercial activities were started.  This include
> chalets, attractions include zones where imported animals and fish like
> hypos, araipaima,etc were exhibited in a natural setting.  These efforts
> failed (why go to a wetlands to see animals when you can go to a zoo?).
> Can members of this group help me with some ideas, a wish-list perhaps,  if
> you were given the opportunity?  A seed-bank? A biodiversity showcase?
> 
> Any and all ideas welcomed.  It is for a good cause ( if this latest effort
> fails, there is a danger it may be commercialised).
> 
> Thanks and regards
> 
> HS
> 
> _______________________________________________
> permaculture mailing list
> permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org
> http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/permaculture
>