Perceptions of the Environment while Exploring the Outdoors: a case study in Belize

Abstract

SUMMARY In Belize, Central America, environmental education efforts are gaining ground and increasing numbers of young people are participating in them both inside and outside school. This particular study explored how a non‐formal field experience might contribute to the formation of environmental sensitivity, attitudes and concerns in a small group of Belizean students. Too often, studies of environmental attitudes and sensitivity employ methods (such as surveys) that fail to reveal how students react to and interact with the natural environment at the same time that they are exposed to that environment. Thus, an understanding of the formative process remains elusive. In this study the qualitative data were analysed for their relationship with three overlapping themes: (a) sensitivity to the natural environment in general; (b) attitudes toward specific animals; (c) concern and empathy. In several cases a positive change in students' perceptions could be linked to their participation in certain activities and events in the environmental education programme.