An Implementation of Marine Ecosystem Education for Early Childhood to Support Sangihe Marine Tourism

Abstract

Coral reefs in the Sangihe Islands face vulnerability due to coastal pressures and environmental changes, highlighting the need for educational efforts that foster conservation awareness from an early age. Early childhood is a crucial period for internalizing ecological values, making educational institutions strategic settings to introduce marine ecosystem concepts through structured learning. This community service aimed to integrate marine ecosystem materials into early childhood education and encourage the participation of children and parents in simple conservation practices. The program was implemented in preparation, execution, and evaluation stages involving children, teachers, and parents. Activities included developing educational media, delivering interactive materials, and conducting simulated coral transplantation as a contextual learning tool. Evaluation involved collecting feedback to inform the final report. Results showed that children improved their understanding of marine ecosystem structures and the ecological role of coral reefs. Learners engaged actively with visual media and simulation activities. Parents participated in supporting the learning process, while teachers acquired relevant resources suited to the island context. The learning environment was enriched through simple exploratory activities that reinforced experiential learning. The program also expanded family awareness of coastal resource management and promoted children’s ecological literacy.