SANTO DOMINGO. The EcoBahí Foundation presented the initial results of its comprehensive educational program in the Dominican Republic, an initiative that benefited 4,159 students and 333 teachers at the primary and secondary levels.
During this school period, the project directly reached students and teachers through a dynamic educational model that reflects the institution's commitment to the conservation of natural resources and sustainable development.
Actions to strengthen environmental awareness
The organization highlighted that the activities ranged from awareness days in classrooms to technical workshops on waste management and wildlife protection, contributing to the strengthening of a culture of sustainability in school communities and the development of capacities linked to the value chain of the country's main tourist destinations.
He noted that through monthly visits coordinated with the school administrations, the Foundation's technical team conducts classroom sessions where students learn about proper waste management, creating school gardens, caring for mangroves, and protecting local species such as the humpback whale, the manatee, and the parrot.
The activities are developed through pedagogical dynamics adapted to each academic level.
Featured educational centers
EcoBahía highlighted the work of the Freddy Gatón Arce and Gregorio Urbano Gilbert Suero educational centers , in the province of San Pedro de Macorís, whose efforts within the environmental initiative allowed them to be selected to establish an alliance with the Seacology Foundation and the Coalition for the Higuamo River.
This collaboration led to the “Mangroves in Action”, which enabled the installation of a school nursery, the creation of murals, the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, and the creation of community gardens.
Impact on communities and alliances
The Foundation's support has served as a strategic bridge between educational centers, the private sector and Bahia Principe hotels in Samaná, La Romana and Bávaro, facilitating the management of resources and donations.
Principals and teachers highlight that the initiatives developed through school environmental committees and field visits to protected areas have encouraged greater student participation and contributed to the recovery of green spaces on school grounds, generating cleaner and more organized environments.
“Bringing over 4,100 students and their teachers closer to the knowledge of our natural resources confirms that education is the foundation of sustainability. Projects like 'Mangroves in Action' demonstrate that, by serving as a bridge between schools, the private sector, and other partner organizations, we achieve a lasting impact that transcends the classroom and directly benefits our communities,” said Álex Matás, the Foundation's director in the country.
Incorporation of new educational centers
Given the results achieved during this stage, the entity reported that for the next period seven new educational centers into the network, through previously planned approaches with the communities.
It will also implement updates aimed at standardizing and strengthening the project. These measures include aligning the content and methodologies of environmental education between its locations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
The program will also include an official manual for teachers and a methodological guide for facilitators, which will organize the content into thematic modules to facilitate the development of activities in the classroom.
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