EnglishCentral America’s amazing biodiversity and landscape have been significantly damaged. Reckless development and general ignorance about basic environmentally-friendly concepts, such as recycling, have contributed greatly to environmental problems across Central America. However, local people who have caught the vision of conservation can work wonders to safeguard biodiversity and improve local environmental practices.
In 2012, Paso Pacífico launched the Junior Ranger program for children ages eight to thirteen. This rigorous program uses engaging classroom instruction, experiential field trips, and community service projects to teach principles of biology, ecology, and environmental citizenship. After school and on the weekends, these children learn about and come face to face with sea turtles, endangered monkeys, plastic pollution, mangroves, and more.
Junior Rangers also act as citizen scientists, recording and reporting wildlife they see.
To date, over 500 Junior Rangers have graduated! The life-changing experiences they have gained from this program are helping them be better stewards of nature and better members of their communities. They share what they learn with their families and friends, and many Junior Rangers continue to stay involved with the program and help mentor younger children.
