Assessing the impact of environmental education in a critical orangutan landscape in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Abstract

Gunung Palung National Park (GPNP) and the surrounding region in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, host a significant population of Critically Endangered Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) amidst various conservation challenges, including habitat destruction, the illegal pet trade, and human-wildlife conflict. The Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program (GPOCP) employs diverse strategies, including environmental education, to address these challenges. Environmental education helps to connect local students with conservation efforts, educate them about endangered endemic species, and highlight the relationship between human behavior and ecosystem health. Environmental education is critical in fostering sustainable behaviors and raising awareness about conservation issues, particularly in areas where human activities threaten primate biodiversity. Such programs can promote long-term conservation outcomes by engaging communities and empowering individuals to take action. Here, we review the effectiveness of GPOCP's environmental education initiatives, focusing on school visits conducted between 2016 and 2023 that concentrated on orangutan conservation. We analyze data from standardized pre- and post-activity surveys administered to students participating in puppet shows and lectures. Results indicate a substantial increase in knowledge and positive shifts in attitudes toward orangutan conservation among students. However, challenges remain in evaluating long-term behavioral changes and the relative contribution of different conservation interventions. Future efforts will explore tailored educational approaches and impact assessments to enhance conservation outcomes and foster community engagement in safeguarding Bornean orangutans and their habitat.