WWF Helps Teach Kids Link of Climate Change with Biodiversity

“WWF’s education drives have always focused on either climate change solutions or biodiversity conservation,” says WWF-Philippines Environmental Education Head Obel Resurreccion. “Finally, we’re directly linking these two subjects. How does global warming affect sea turtles in Palawan or Tawi-Tawi? How does the loss of a forest in Isabela contribute to global climate change? How will this all affect our own existence? These are some of the questions we plan to raise and answer with our new programme, entitled Seeds of the Future.”

Since mid-2011, BDO has supported WWF by allowing ATM users to donate five Philippine pesos (PHP5) to a host of field programmes. Funds generated from ATM donations have already allowed WWF to craft a new whale shark exhibit, to be displayed from December 2011 onwards at the popular Donsol Visitor Center in Sorsogon. Mangrove planting drives and stakeholder consultations have also been conducted.

"We are very excited and happy to provide a convenient channel for our cardholders to participate in WWF-Philippines’ environmental work throughout the country,” says BDO ATM Product Development Head Edgar Alan Fernando. “We were overwhelmed by the response to this transactional ATM donation program, which generates over 2000 donations daily. This proves that Filipinos are conscious of the environment and would like to take part in environmental preservation programs."

Planting Seeds of the Future

Next up is a watershed management project in Isabela plus a livelihood project to ensure a steady supply of seafood in Palawan. Seeds of the Future shall begin teaching keen young minds from January through March of 2012.

WWF’s newest environmental education drive features interactive hour-long modules composed of games, videos, slide presentations, crafts and live skits. “Children must realize that we are all connected,” says Ms Resurreccion.

“Trash thrown carelessly in Manila Bay might choke a sea turtle in far-off Batangas. Through constant browsing, sea turtles keep seagrass meadows pruned and healthy. Healthy seagrass meadows provide commercially-valuable fish and invertebrates with refuge. Will fishing communities survive when the turtles don’t? Everything is connected – reducing our use of plastic bags directly impacts levels of biodiversity.”

WWF enjoins all BDO cardholders to make a PHP5 donation when making transactions. “PHP5 is all that’s needed to mould minds and modify attitudes",a dds Joel Palma, WWF Conservation Programmes Head As with biodiversity conservation, authentic education always thinks of long-term results. As we ‘Find Ways’ to change the future, we must look to the present ... and plant the seeds of stewardship early on.”