20、Operation of “KIJIMUN-kids Eco-expedition”

 

Ryota TAKAHASHI

Okinawa Marine Research Center

 

Okinawa Marine Research Center (OMRC) is located in 2 resort hotels in Okinawa and we operate experiences in nature, dolphin programs for “Ecological education”, “Nature conservation”, and “Nature research”. As part of this nature experience we started a new nature program called “KIJIMUN-kids Eco-expedition” in 2011. We run this program 9 times over the course of a two year period for elementary school students. We regard it as being important that through this program both inexperienced staff and participants experience growth and change with the completion of each program. Through the experience of planning and relationships, staff can expand and raise their skill levels. By recruiting participants, we also follow up with people who could not join the “KODOMO Eco-club” (educational workshop for kids / recruiting participants one time per year) and spread ecological education to local area. Program content includes, for example, observing animals, dyeing operations, dietary education, and experience joining fishing net operations. These experiences make participants feel something new every time. Now we would like to introduce a variety of content, results, and future subjects.