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As we celebrate World Education Day with the theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation’ we are reminded of the growing presence of AI in various aspects of life. While AI can analyse vast amounts of data, provide solutions, and create opportunities, it cannot replace the human experiences, senses, interactions, nuances, culture, history, sensitivities, emotions, and values that drive conservation efforts.
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) continues to place the human being at the centre of its education programmes: Anou Protez Nou Bann Zil and Connecting with Nature - sponsored by the Mauritius Commercial Bank-, Learning with Nature - sponsored by SICOM and M.O.L.- , and the Rodrigues Environmental & Educational Project (REEP) - sponsored by the Philadelphia Zoo and the Sir J. Moilin Ah-Chuen Foundation. These initiatives remind us that conservation did not begin with machines but with people who cared about nature and people and who still do.
AI has become a powerful tool in conservation, helping to identify threatened species, monitor ecosystems, and predict changes in biodiversity. However, learning about conservation is not just about data, it is about connection and human touch. MWF’s Education programmes ensure that education goes beyond screens and algorithms to touch the hearts of people and inspire them to take action.
Through the Anou Protez Nou Bann Zil programme, MWF works to sensitize stakeholders about protecting Mauritius’ unique islet ecosystems. While AI can map habitats and track invasive species, give information about good practices to adopt while visiting islets, nothing replaces the richness of an interaction between a skipper, a tour guide, a fisherman, hotel staff and a MWF educator. The exchange of knowledge and experience about these islets reinforces our local communities’ understanding of islet ecosystems and the endemic life which they shelter. They foster crucial conversations that encourage communities to protect these habitats and their inhabitants and sustain the community's livelihood at the same time, and ownership.
In the Learning with Nature programme, children leave behind the virtual world of mobile phones or tablets and explore the natural world through an educational visit of Ile aux Aigrettes. The feeling of coralline limestone under their feet, the sound of endemic birds, and the sight of rare plants create memories that AI simply cannot provide. It is through these sensory connections that young minds begin to understand the fragility of our environment and their role in protecting it.
Similarly, the Connecting with Nature programme, interactions are enriched through meaningful discussions with children, teachers, religious groups and journalists about biodiversity and the environment. These interactions are customised and anchor essential learning through talks and games or activities that are both fun and pedagogical e.g. children get to touch, hold and plant iconic endemic species that they read about in their textbooks and encounter species that they have seen before such as the bois d’ebene noir or bois d’ebene blanc. During educational visits to islets, stakeholders get to explore an original coastal forest of Mauritius and catch sight of native seabirds or endemic reptiles. By seeing these species and how they behave and by understanding their importance and uniqueness, the stakeholders can better comprehend the need to protect species in the course of their duties.
Finally, the Rodrigues Environment Education Programme, is the hands-on efforts of local communities and students planting endemic trees that truly make a difference. Through this programme, participants learn the value of collaboration and hope, qualities no machine can teach.
Whilst AI remains undoubtedly the tool that will more and more assist conservationists, it is human passion and dedication that make the difference. MWF’s programmes ensure that education remains rooted in experiences that spark responsibility.
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation would like to say Happy International Day of Education to everyone!
