Language is more than a communication tool: it is a very specific human cognitive faculty and the common foundation of all humanity. It enables the transmission of experiences, traditions, knowledge and identities from one generation to the next. 

Maffi L, argues that many traditional languages contain crucial knowledge about ecosystems, local species and conservation practices. He highlights how the loss of languages also leads to the loss of knowledge about biodiversity. 

The development of multilingual education in children is a powerful educational strategy that promotes both linguistic competence and respect for cultural diversity. It also has a positive impact on children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. In the context of biodiversity awareness, integrating multilingual education can be a key tool in shaping future generations that are more aware, informed and committed to the environment. 

Here are some ideas to effectively promote this cause: 

1. Creating Multilingual Educational Materials 

The development of educational resources such as guides, infographics, videos and podcasts in multiple languages can facilitate understanding and access to biodiversity information in different regions. This is particularly important in indigenous or minority language communities that may not have access to scientific information in global languages. 

2. Promoting Local Language Learning 

Incorporating local and community languages into biodiversity education programs can strengthen people’s emotional connection to their natural environment. Many languages have specific terms for different species or ecosystems, which can enrich ecological understanding. 

Gorenflo, L. J., Romaine, S., Maffi, L., & Olsson, P. argue in an article about the relationship between language extinction and biodiversity loss, demonstrating how endangered language communities are often the guardians of valuable knowledge about the natural environment. 

3. Training of Multilingual Educators 

Training educators in diverse languages and cultures will make biodiversity education programs more inclusive and effective. 

Through this training, materials can be developed that include cross-cultural practices for teaching about biodiversity from local and global perspectives. 

4. Multilingual Educational Events 

Organizing conferences, seminars and workshops in several languages can make biodiversity issues more accessible. In addition, interactive events such as ecological fairs or visits to natural parks, where educational material can be offered in several languages, help to bring citizens closer to the subject in a direct and experiential way. 

5. Exchange of knowledge 

Through workshops or forums where people from different regions and languages share sustainable practices for biodiversity conservation, always respecting language and cultural context. 

Conclusion 

Promoting biodiversity awareness through multilingual education is a powerful strategy for reaching diverse communities and promoting a deep and respectful understanding of nature. Through the inclusion of different languages and cultures in learning, one can foster not only respect for biodiversity, but also a global mindset of environmental protection that transcends linguistic and geographic boundaries. This multilingual education has the potential to empower students to become advocates for biodiversity and the cultures that protect it. 

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References 

Stefania Giannini (2024), Crónica de las Naciones Unidas, 20 de febrero de 2024 

Maffi, L. (2005). Linguistic diversity and biodiversity. In: Linguistic Diversity and Biodiversity (pp. 1-24). Cambridge University Press. 

Gorenflo, L. J., Romaine, S., Maffi, L., & Olsson, P. (2012). Mapping the World’s Languages in Danger. Science, 337(6091), 1101-1103.