Using drawings as a tool to monitor children's understanding of coral reef biodiversity

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity and human livelihoods, particularly in Pacific Island communities. While scientific and policy-based approaches to reef conservation are essential, engaging local populations (especially children) can enhance long-term environmental stewardship. Children's drawings can reveal their mental representations of the environment and their perceptions of ecosystem health. This study explores how children aged 9 to 16 in Bora Bora (South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia) perceive coral reef biodiversity, human activities, and environmental threats through their drawings. A total of 23 groups of children participated, producing drawings of the lagoon environment. These were analyzed both quantitatively (e.g., taxa diversity, pollution items, human presence) and qualitatively (e.g., perceived environmental health). Results show that fish, corals, and algae were the most frequently depicted elements, and pollution (particularly waste) was commonly identified. The drawings also highlighted the activities children associate with the lagoon. Age-related differences may suggest developmental changes in ecological awareness, with older children producing more accurate depictions of marine life. Children's strong knowledge of the lagoon could reflect the numerous ecological education programs implemented on the island (e.g., the Marine Educational Area and Bora Biodiv project). These findings demonstrate that children's drawings could be valuable tools for assessing environmental perceptions and for designing targeted conservation education. This approach also contributes to establishing a long-term, community-based coral reef monitoring program in Bora Bora, incorporating the analysis of children's drawings every two years. This initiative aligns with the vision of UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to empower children to “transform our world” toward sustainability by 2030.