Posted on June, 29 2010

The Municipal Hall of Puerto Quijarro became the ideal scenery for the presentation of the books "Biodiversity of the Bolivian Pantanal" and "Diversification and Integration of Environmental Education in the Bolivian Pantanal – Secondary Level", made by the Friends of Museum of Natural History Noel Kempff Mercado Foundation (FUAMU) and the Museum of Natural History Noel Kempff Mercado (MHNNKM), in collaboration with WWF. The event was held at the First Meeting of on Knowledge Management of the Pantanal and Chiquitania, and was adorned with the presence of a large audience, as authorities of Departamental Government of Santa Cruz and Municipal Government of Puerto Quijarro, education authorities, teachers and students, and representatives of MHNNKM, FUAMU and WWF.

During the presentation, Daniel Aruquipa, of the District Education Direction of Puerto Quijarro, said that the books presented provide "updated information about the biodiversity of this fascinating region, which commits teachers to contextualize their curricula in the different areas of study for a better quality of education for students".

The book “Diversification and Integration of Environmental Education in the Bolivian Pantanal – Secondary Level” was prepared jointly by technical people from MHNNKM, FUAMU and teachers in Puerto Quijarro and San Matías, both in the Bolivian Pantanal. And as the FUAMU director, Mary Esther Montaño, says, this book aims to "insert the integration of environment in all areas within the secondary level, for the students recognize and value the importance of environmental care and preservation of the environment.

About the book Biodiversity of the Bolivian Pantanal, the Pantanal Program coordinator of WWF, Pamela Rebolledo, said that "it is the first book of this quality that occurs into the Pantanal, which compiles the most rich and updated information about the biodiversity of this wonderful and fascinating region". And she said that materials like these stimulate the curiosity and desire to learn more about the region, trying to close the unnecessary hole between science and its application, "the artificial division between conservation and development." And in the end, is like Daniel Aruquipa says: "We are sure that with institutions like WWF, authorities and citizens committed to conservation of biodiversity, and raising awareness of caring for our Pantanal, we have a better quality of life".