Connecting children with nature: an interview with Leidy Apolo Cajamarca | Travel News

Interview with Leidy Apolo Cajamarca, collaborator of the Conectando con la Naturaleza project, on her work and the importance of fostering a love for nature and strong sustainability values in children.

Can you give an overview of the Connecting with Nature Programme (CWNP)?

 

Funded by GCT, the CWNP has created opportunities for people to engage with the environment through events, storytelling, games, and exhibitions. However, many individuals still lack access to these experiences. The programme's primary goal is to expand its reach, ensuring that those currently without access can benefit while keeping existing participants motivated and involved.

For over six years, the CWNP has applied the "path of commitment" approach, guiding communities through stages of awareness, engagement, proactiveness, and dedication to nature conservation. Environmental education serves as the cornerstone, fostering sustainable practices and a deeper appreciation for the Galapagos Islands. The programme remains committed to promoting these environmentally responsible behaviors.

What do you think the biggest achievements have been for the programme so far?

 

One of our most significant accomplishments has been introducing the local community—children, youth, and adults—to science and research. We are dismantling the notion that science is overly complex, exclusive to men, or inaccessible. Through activities that blend education, recreation, and scientific exploration, we create opportunities for the community to connect with nature and deepen their environmental awareness.

Participants not only expand their knowledge and critical thinking but also navigate broader social, economic, and environmental challenges. Many leave the programme with a newfound appreciation and love for nature and the Galapagos Islands.

What inspired you to get involved with the Connecting with Nature programme?

My greatest inspiration comes from the community. Seeing children's curiosity and eagerness to learn excites me, and witnessing parents express interest in environmental issues reassures me that we are making a difference. Strengthening these connections between people and nature is vital for fostering values of coexistence and conservation—essential for life in such a fragile and unique ecosystem as the Galapagos. Leading this programme offers continuous opportunities for growth, and I take great pride in being a part of it.

Can you tell us more about the activities you have run as part of the programme, such as the Friends of Science Club and reading sessions, and their impact on children?

Our reading sessions feature beloved characters like Marti the hammerhead shark, Tessa the giant tortoise, Alberto the waved albatross, and Loberto and Zally the Galapagos sea lions—helping children form meaningful connections with the biodiversity of the Galapagos. Initially designed for primary school students (ages 7-11), these sessions have expanded beyond classrooms to involve teachers and parents. Today, they are also available as an educational resource on the Galapagos Science Center website, broadening their reach and impact.

The Friends of Science Club engages children and teenagers (ages 10-17) in hands-on scientific activities, including experiments, lab work, and field trips. These experiences not only ignite an interest in science but also cultivate young conservation advocates.

How important is it to connect children living on the Islands with nature through environmental education programmes?

 

Fostering this connection is crucial. A child who observes, explores, and learns about nature is more likely to protect it for future generations. Connecting with nature offers profound benefits—physically, mentally, and emotionally. In fact, one of our Science in the Family events in 2024 focused entirely on this topic, emphasizing the essential role of environmental interaction in developing self-awareness and ecological appreciation.

What are your future plans and aspirations for the Connecting with Nature programme, and what are the biggest challenges you face in keeping it running?

Moving forward, we aim to establish more spaces dedicated to environmental education. Additionally, we plan to expand our sessions to address pressing social and environmental issues, including food security, agroecology, and public health.

However, our biggest challenges remain securing funding and ensuring we have sufficient team members to manage, execute, and assess activities effectively.

Despite these obstacles, we are proud of what we have accomplished and remain committed to continuing this work with the same passion and dedication that inspired the programme from the beginning.