Impact of School-Based Environmental Education Programmes on Sustainable Forest Management Practices in Central African Republic: Student Knowledge Gains and Fieldwork Outcomes

Central African Republic (CAR) is characterized by its rich biodiversity, including a significant portion of forested land. However, this resource faces threats from deforestation and unsustainable management practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys administered to students and interviews with educators. Data were collected from schools across different regions of CAR. Students demonstrated an increased awareness of the importance of sustainable forests after participating in environmental education programmes, as evidenced by a 45% improvement in knowledge scores compared to pre-programme levels. The findings suggest that school-based environmental education can significantly contribute to fostering sustainable forest management practices among young people in CAR. Further research should be conducted to explore the long-term impact of these programmes and to identify best practices for implementation across other regions with similar educational needs. Sustainable Forest Management, Environmental Education Programmes, Central African Republic, Student Knowledge Gains