Growing awareness : evaluating the impact of environmental education on attitudes, knowledge, and behavior

Abstract

Mangroves provide vital ecosystem services like storm surge protection and carbon sequestration, but their coverage is rapidly declining. This study evaluates an environmental education program in the Dominican Republic, targeting children’s attitudes, knowledge, behaviors, and willingness to pay for conservation. The program boosted attitudes, especially in girls, with modest, non-significant behavioral changes. There were also positive spillover effects on peers and parents, with non-treated peers in clubs showing increased mangrove preference and positive attitude shifts in parents.