Department of Environment and Conservation
EcoEducation

DEC’s EcoEducation program celebrated its 250,000th learner recently.

The occasion was marked with an event at the Perth Hills National Parks Centre where the achievements of the program were honoured and a certificate was presented to Eastern Hills Senior High School. Strategic Development and Corporate Affairs Director Ron Kawalilak has nurtured the program since its inception and said the program had expanded significantly.

“EcoEducation started in 1993 and has grown to offer 25 different programs on a range of topics such as threatened species, biodiversity and Aboriginal culture,” he said.

“These programs provide many opportunities for students of all ages to take part in nature-based, experiential learning opportunities which are curriculum-linked. “EcoEducation has also forged many successful partnerships with organisations including the Science Teachers’ Association of WA, the Curriculum Council of WA, Kings Park and Botanic Gardens Authority and the Department of Education.“

Ron said the 250,000th learner milestone highlighted the popularity of the program which was now regarded as one of the country’s most comprehensive, continuous and reliable environmental and science education programs.

“The success of the program is a credit to the staff who run the programs, led by Senior Project Officer - EcoEducation Elaine Horne and, before her, Liz Moore,” he said.

Elaine said EcoEducation offered exciting opportunities for students and teachers which helped them appreciate the natural environment and learn practical ways to protect and conserve it.

 “The students who take part in the programs are not visitors or listeners or people playing with exhibits, but participants in learning courses in the environment,” she said.

Photo: (From left) DEC EcoEducation Officer Trevor Walley; Minister for Planning, Culture and the Arts john Day; Strategic Development and Corporate Affairs Director Ron Kawalilak; and Senior Project Officer EcoEducation Elaine Horne.