By Emery Elliot
Our generation has come a long way in realising our role in the various ecosystems of the world. Not that many decades ago, littering was common and very few people were concerned about pollution. Fortunately, we have changed our ways. And every year we make steps towards symbiosis. We want to keep the momentum going, so it is important that our children are impressed with their role in the future of our planet. Here are some ways that you can educate your children about the natural world and help them to see the importance of protecting the environment.
- Go Whale Watching: There is no more iconic creature representing the health of the oceans than the Cetaceans. Whales and dolphins are indicator species that let us assess the health of marine areas. But not only that, they are majestic and magical. It is a life-changing event to watch a whale on the open sea. And there is no better way to bring their reality to your child’s consciousness, then having them experience it first-hand. You can go whale watching at Eden. Cruisesdepart regularly during the whale watching seasons.
- Clean a Beach or Waterway: It might not sound like something your children would be into, but with the right motivation it can be done. And once started they will soon discover the fun of it. Time in nature with your parents is better than screen time, but they just don’t know it yet. This experience will impress upon them how many everyday items find their way into the marine ecosystem. And the importance of better waste management.
- Get an Aquarium: Pets are a great tool for teaching compassion and understanding animal needs. Aquariums are wonderful because they give you a look into entire ecosystems. Caring for an aquarium will teach your children about water quality, and the needs of different animals, and how some creatures adapt and interact with their environments. Of course, you should use only ethically sourced fish for this experience, choose species that do well in small environments and are easily bred in captivity.
The most important thing is to experience these things with your children and share your feelings about the role humanity plays with the ecosystem of the earth. We have the ability to do great damage, but we are also able to do tremendous good in recovering and restoring habitats and protecting them for the future. As parents, we can contribute the most to the earth by raising children that understand the value of the oceans, and communities other than our own.
