ART OF CONSERVATION

Our Mission: To empower children, families, and local communities in biodiverse regions to become conservation leaders through innovative art and educational programs. Our Vision: We envision a biologically diverse world where people, the environment, and animals thrive together in good health.Background: Art of Conservation (AoC) was founded in 2006 by Julie Ghrist, who developed community conservation education programs in Rwanda's Virunga Massif region. Recognizing similar needs in the Mesoamerican Biological Region, AoC expanded its programming to Mexico in 2014. Why? Overdevelopment and poor sanitation have polluted the land and water within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, placing the health of its people, plants, and animals at risk. AoC's programs empower communities to help prevent further threats. How? AoC provides its Creative Learning & Conservation Education Curriculum in local primary schools. Programs run twice weekly for three hour-long classes and incorporate artistic expression, experiential field trips, and family participation. Since 2014, our Mexico programs have engaged hundreds of children and community members, primarily of Maya heritage. Our effective methodology has changed our participants' attitudes and behaviors towards conservation in their communities.