Photo: Exposing children to many types of local flora and fauna is one way to build a “smart generation” in South Papua
BOVEN DIGOEL – Environmental issues like illegal hunting remain to be resolved, especially in Papua. Local people lack awareness of which native creatures are protected and endangered, while having long-held beliefs in the benefits of consuming certain types of meat.
Driven by the issues, which continue to evolve, Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group introduced Terek Subur 1 Public Junior High in Subur District, Boven Digoel Regency to these at-risk species through a short class, “Papua’s Endemic Flora and Fauna”. Students received explanations about populations that are prohibited from hunting and capture by the law, and health uses for endemic plants.
One student, Frederika Kawab, said she first learned about South Papua’s vulnerable wildlife like the pig-nosed turtles after joining the company’s Social Education event on Tuesday (4/30).
Her principal, Maria Goreti, was very welcoming of the company’s visit. “The kids get new knowledge, new lessons on the protected animals and plants… and [with this event] we stand ready [to assist in environmental advocacy] by creating a platform that develops this awareness in youth,” she said.
On top of exposing the kids to many types of local flora and fauna, TSE Group representatives called on the audience to become “green agents”, who possess high levels of conservation knowledge and attention to the natural environment. Hopefully, these students will be able to lead efforts that preserve ecosystem balance for their future children and grandchildren.
All the middle-schoolers had a smile on their faces as they listened intently to the lecture. To end the event, a quiz on the lesson material was held, with prizes prepared for the correct guessers.
Social Education is part of TSE Group’s education-oriented social contributions, otherwise known as Corporate Social Contribution (CSC), whose goals are to sustainably empower the social environment of Papuan communities. (PR)
