Cream of the Crop This is a monthly column introducing professionals who represent the best in their respective industries Making conservation everyone's concern By Emma Jones Education is at the heart of conservation and environmental protection Nowadays, hardly a week goes by without some disquieting news about major changes in the natural environment. Glaciers are melting, habitats are disappearing and countless species are under threat of extinction. Too often it seems that people express concern, shrug their shoulders and then just carry on as before with their daily lives. That is something Joyce Kwok is determined to change. As education manager and principal of the Ocean Park Academy (OPA), her mission is to introduce and explain the wonders of the natural world to school children, teachers and members of the general public. When they have the chance to see and understand how complex and fragile our environment is, they come to realise that conservation concerns all of us and that each individual can and must do something to help. The main role of Ms Kwok's team is to design and develop the park's educational programmes and exhibitions. One day she can be planning the tour of the giant pandas or organising training for teachers, the next she may be involved in developing new conceptual designs or having discussions with educators from universities and government departments. Whatever is happening, she is sure to be kept on her toes. Ms Kwok finds peace of mind and direction in life from her family and religious beliefs Ms Kwok says that the chance to work on new programmes is one of the most fulfilling parts of the job. With the establishment of the academy, interactive learning has become more important than ever and, after visiting the park, students can now continue to learn via the OPA website. By logging on, they can complete homework assignments, research school projects and even read a new online story every month. Passion for nature After graduating in environmental science, Ms Kwok's first job over eight years ago was at Ocean Park as an education assistant. Since then, she has worked her way up through five different posts within the department, being promoted to education manager in 2001 and adding the title of head of Ocean Park Academy last year. She puts her success down to her love of the job and a passionate belief in its importance. "I like everything about science and nature," she says. "I like working with people, hiking and seeing wildlife. In Hong Kong, it is sometimes easy to forget about Mother Nature, but I think it is very important to teach the next generation to love and protect nature. One day the world will belong to them." This kind of enthusiasm is common among the young team at the academy. Some of their time outside work is spent hiking and bird watching and Ms Kwok firmly believes that it is important to experience nature and make a "hands-on" connection in order to increase awareness of the need for conservation and environmental protection. As a firm believer in responsible fishing, Ms Kwok enjoys the tranquillity of being out at sea More formally, Ms Kwok has completed a Master's degree in environmental science and technology and, although a science qualification is not a prerequisite, she mentions that a degree is advisable for anyone interested in working in the field. Most important, though, is the desire to promote environmental education, a willingness to learn, enthusiasm and the creativity to plan and develop new programmes. Members of the education team have to be imaginative in order to make the tours exciting and fun. "I discuss the challenges with my team all the time, encouraging them to present their own ideas. It gives them a sense of possession, and after the job is done and they see the success, they get a strong sense of satisfaction," she says. Ms Kwok lives and works by the Chinese proverb, "Tell me and I will forget, show me and I will remember, involve me and I will understand". Therefore, games are used to promote learning and a dolphin "encounter" has recently been launched for visitors to see and feed dolphins close up. Similarly, a section on the importance of conserving the bamboo forests helps children understand the pandas' environment. Leading the young and energetic OPA team, Ms Kwok gets great satisfaction from her job Exploiting opportunities In managing a team and working with the public, it is important to have an outgoing personality and to make people aware of your abilities, says Ms Kwok. She also mentions the importance of having a mentor who gives encouragement and advice – in her own case that has been Suzanne Gendron, Ocean Park's director of zoological operations and education. By thinking positively, Ms Kwok believes that what may initially appear as obstacles can be turned into challenges and overcome. Her experience of working full-time while studying for a Master's degree convinced her of this. Nowadays, her greatest satisfaction comes from completing a project successfully. When visitors give positive feedback after learning something significant about science and nature, it makes all the efforts worthwhile. "That is very rewarding, particularly if it contributes in some way to improving the environment in future," she says. This investment in the future is ongoing. Ms Kwok sees plenty of potential for further educational programmes and is looking forward to tackling the challenges ahead. Milestones 2004 - Launch of Ocean Park Academy Hong Kong and became head of the Academy to overse educational programmes - Her team developed the new Physics in Motion programme making science fun - Organised the International Zoo Educators Association conference helping to develop overseas links 2003 - Launched the unique interactive Dolphin Encounter programme in Hong Kong 2001 - Master's in environmental science and technology to strengthen academic training - Became education manager, one of several early career moves 1996 - Joined Ocean Park as education assistant in what she saw as a dream job Taken from Career Times 11 March 2005 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]