On September 23, the Horto Florestal de Itamonte was the stage for the first edition of the “Guardians of Nature” Project, an environmental education initiative focused on the ethics of Minimum Impact in Nature. The project aims to train children on ethics and minimum impact practices in natural environments, using the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) in a practical and experiential way.
The mission of the Guardians and fun learning
The mission of the 40 children, aged between 6 and 14, was to go through all the camps and absorb the teachings. The workshop was designed to take place playfully, allowing children to learn while playing. The event was structured as an educational trail through nature, with seven learning stations, called “camps,” where participants experienced each of the seven principles through a rotation system.
At each of the seven camps, a Guardian (LNT instructor) shared one of the principles through an activity. The learning stations were conceived to share knowledge, prioritizing direct demonstration and “learning by doing.”
The Seven Principles of Minimum Impact and their Guardians/LNT Instructors
- Plan and prepare ahead: Suelen Nishimuta
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Daniel Bispo
- Dispose of waste properly: Maria Clara de Moraes
- Leave what you find: Dana Maturro
- Minimize campfire impact: Priscila Pereira
- Respect wildlife: Felipe Lacerda
- Be considerate of other visitors: Bárbara Passos
Closing and the Board Game “Adventure of the Guardian of Nature”
At the end of the workshop, all the children were gifted with an educational board game that teaches how to protect nature in a fun way. The game, called “Adventure of the Guardian of Nature”, guides players along a trail in a natural park, using “Ethical Dilemma” Cards to explain whether an action is right or wrong according to the principles of Minimum Impact in Nature. Correct actions reward the player; incorrect actions result in consequences, reinforcing conscious behavior. The goal is for them to replicate, playfully, the principles of minimum impact with friends and family.
Recognition of instructors, supporters, and sponsors
The success of the project is the result of dedicated collaboration.
- Concept and Organization: Milena Pitangy from Milla Expedições (@millaexpedicoes) and Palmieri from Kampa (@kampa_oficial), both level 2 instructors and enthusiasts of the Leave No Trace philosophy of Minimum Impact in Nature.
- Institutional and Logistical Support: Projeto Parceiros do Futuro (@parceirosdofuturo), NGI ICMBio Mantiqueira (@ngimantiqueira), and the Municipality of Itamonte (@prefeitura_de_itamonte).
- Educational Partners and Sponsors: Gear Tips (@geartipsoutdoor) was responsible for the training of LNT instructors and created the board games, which were distributed to the children. Sítios Braguinha (@queijositiobraguinha) and Kouit (@sitiokouit) provided cheese and organic juice for the snack. And, of course, the dedication and support of all the instructors were essential to making this possible.
This initiative highlights the importance of the union between companies, educators, and communities to multiply knowledge about environmental preservation and create a broader base of environmental defenders. We encourage you to do the same in your city.
This post is also available in: Português (Portuguese (Brazil)) Español (Spanish)
