The WDCS DOLPHIN DIPLOMA
A New Education Campaign In The Context of Year Of The Dolphin

From now onwards kids and young people all over the world will be awarded a dolphin diploma by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) for their active contribution to dolphin protection. This campaign is part of the official “Year of the dolphin 2007” initiative announced by the UNEP-Convention for Migratory Species (CMS).

“Raising awareness about dolphins and the threats they face is not enough. Kids need to be offered attractive ways to get involved in active dolphin conservation”, explains Annika Winter, WDCS’ international education officer. “Personal involvement only can lead to long-term concern and engagement in the field of environmental education”, she adds.

The WDCS dolphin diploma award includes a quiz about dolphins and a conservation activity such as participating in a beach cleanup or organizing an information desk.

8-12 year olds can obtain their diplomas online on the official Year of the Dolphin website. Important information about dolphin species and the threats they face is accessible via texts, with images, sound samples and games on the website.

For schools and teachers, WDCS offers an activity pack with comprehensive teaching material. Part of the activity pack is a brand-new booklet named “All About Dolphins” which includes fun exercises and ideas for activities. This booklet is published by the partners of the Year of the Dolphin and will be available the end of April in 8 languages (English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Greek, Turkish and Arabic). Check back here for download information.

“Education is a focus of our campaign. It is crucial to involve the younger generations in order to improve the conservation status of dolphins worldwide and ensure their survival in the future”, says Rob Hepworth, CMS Executive Secretary.

All information about the dolphin diploma is available here.

For more information on YOD partners check www.yod2007.org/en/Partners.

Download Teacher's Activity Packet here.

Source: WDCS©