Programs
SSI Education ProgramSakhalin Salmon Initiative
In order for conservation efforts to achieve positive results in the long-term, they must be accompanied by significant investment in environmental education. Local communities that understand the value of pristine freshwater ecosystems and the services that they provide are more likely to support continued conservation and sustainable management-focused efforts. The livelihoods of protected areas, endangered species and other important conservation targets depend, after all, upon people.
To build this vitally important local conservation capacity, Wild Salmon Center (WSC) is working with the Sakhalin Salmon Initiative (SSI) Center to develop the SSI education program, which includes components directed at all ages, from kindergartners to adults. This project is one of six focal areas within the Sakhalin Salmon Initiative.
Education Initiatives
Small Grants Program
The SSI Center began implementing the SSI Education Project in 2007, awarding four small grants to local environmental education NGOs, schools, libraries, indigenous groups and cultural centers. Since then, the program has expanded and is on its way to achieving the goal of awarding one small grant in each of the island's 14 municipal regions. Through this program, a variety of projects have been developed in rural regions of Sakhalin, including municipality-based environmental camps, art and book contests/expositions, and awareness campaigns.
"Salmon Watch" and "Kapelka" Curricula
The Freshwater Trust's "Salmon Watch" curriculum, a field-based, salmon-focused education program has helped over 20,000 Oregon students experience local nature. This curriculum has been adapted for use by teachers and 10-15 year-old students living on Sakhalin Island with a separate curriculum entitled "Kapelka" being developed for younger students (age 5-9). These curricula have been printed with the support of the Oblast Department of Education, and the process of integrating them into local schools and kindergartens began. These initiatives are the result of a three-sided Memorandum of Understanding was signed between WSC, the SSI Center and the Freshwater Trust in 2008.
International Salmon Summit Program
The first annual International Salmon Summit took place at Camp Arrah Wanna on the Salmon River in Oregon in July 2009. Over twenty five 12-15 year-old students from Oregon and Sakhalin spent a week together conducting independent research projects centered on juvenile salmon habitat and the impacts of watershed restoration work. WSC, the Freshwater Trust and SSI Center jointly organized the event. Volunteers from local watershed councils and the US Forest Service assisted the students with their research. The second annual International Salmon Summit will take place on Sakhalin in 2010 if funding allows.
Sakhalin State University Education Center
A new educational center was officially opened in September 2008 at Sakhalin State University through the SSI and the Natural Sciences Faculty of the university. The center is outfitted with the newest technology and computer programs that can facilitate advanced scientific training for students and educators from all regions of Sakhalin. A variety of SSI seminars and working group meetings have been held at the center, including a GIS workshop and sustainable fisheries seminars.
Salmon Festival
A yearly salmon festival takes place on the Lutoga River of Sakhalin in September through the organization of Sakhalin Wild Nature Fund and the SSI Center. 2004 marked the first festival, and since then an Oblast Salmon Art Competition, including an art show of the entries at the Oblast Art Museum, has been added.
Download a copy of the 2009 work plan for this and other SSI projects.