Environmental education strategies to promote the conservation of torrente duck Merganeta armatta colombiana in two rural educational institutions of the municipality of Salento, Quindío, Colombia

Abstract

The torrent duck (Merganetta armata), is resident in the Andes, in South America. This species needs specific habitat requirements such as pollution-free water, abundant riverine vegetation and low human presence, making torrent duck highly vulnerable to anthropic impacts. This causes riparian communities to play an important role in the conservation of species and ecosystems. Therefore, an environmental education strategy was designed and implemented to promote the conservation of torrent duck in two (2) rural facilities of the Institución Educativa Boquía, in the municipality of Salento Quindío).  We worked with children of peasants from the villages of Cócora and Palo Grande, where a preliminary diagnosis was made on the basic knowledge of the children about the species, finding that in general the children were unaware of the duck and they were only familiar with the stereotype of ducks associated with lakes.  Based on this diagnosis, a work primer was designed on various aspects of the ecology, biology and conservation of the duck. This primer supported the realization of four workdays in each educational center. In addition, billboards, infographics and duck challenges (games) were implemented as educational reinforcements. When evaluating the strategy, it was concluded that the children recognized the species, its ecology and its threats. There was only difficulty in understanding the diet of the species.