Project SueTy
Summary
The Apolinar's Wren, an endemic bird species in Colombia, is currently facing a rapid decline in population, placing it on the brink of extinction. To aid in the preservation of this species, our organization has developed a novel approach to environmental education in rural schools located around Lake Tota, which is the main habitat of the Apolinar's Wren. Our objective is to increase community participation and awareness of the issue, and to this end, we have designed an interactive and creative pedagogy that combines storytelling with an introduction to various art forms for children.
Our innovative educational model seeks to engage children by presenting information in an interactive and stimulating way, fostering their curiosity and enthusiasm about the environment and the importance of preserving it. Through this program, we aim to instill a deep sense of responsibility in the younger generation, motivating them to take action towards the conservation of their natural heritage.
Challenge
Lake Tota, the largest body of water in Colombia, is a vital resource providing potable water to a staggering 400,000 people, and its ecosystem sustains an impressive 171 bird species, including ten that are endemic, such as the Apolinar's Wren. Unfortunately, over the past few decades, we have witnessed a distressing trend of pollution in Lake Tota due to a rapid expansion of agriculture, fish farming, and urban runoff. This widespread degradation of the lake's environment has already led to the extinction of two endemic species, underscoring the urgent need for immediate action. The impact of this deterioration on the habitat of Apolinar's Wren is particularly severe, highlighting the crucial need for increased awareness and conservation efforts.
Solution
Project SueTy, which derives its name from the Muisca language meaning "whisper of the bird," is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing birdlife education in rural schools around Lake Tota. This year-round project employs a unique blend of cross-media storytelling, utilizing various art formats such as drawings, stop-motion, poetry, and bird songs, to increase community awareness and participation. Notably, in addition to its environmental focus, Project SueTy also seeks to enrich art education in the region, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience for the children involved. Through this innovative and interactive program, we aim to inspire a new generation of environmentally-conscious and culturally-enriched youth.
Long-Term Impact
One of the most effective ways to inspire communities to preserve their local ecosystem and protect Lake Tota is through educating children about the crucial role of environmental conservation. SueTy aims to raise awareness of nature conservation and promote collaborative environmental learning within the community. The program's activities will be recorded and published, enabling us to reach a broader audience and inspire others to take action in preserving our planet.
Our unique educational model is designed to encourage young people to become environmental advocates and bring about positive change in the Sugamuxi region. We believe that this approach can serve as a blueprint for promoting collaborative environmental learning in other threatened regions as well. Our goal is to create a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are committed to preserving our planet's natural resources and securing a sustainable future for all.
