Sukaesih

Forms of Communication in Local Wisdom-Based Environmental Education at Eco Camp

Eco Learning Camp or Eco Camp is a non-profit organization established to develop educational, conservation, research and other creative activities based on the environment. It’s located near Djuanda Forest Park, Dago Pakar. Eco Camp has the vision to produce quality human beings who care about the environment. The educational activities run by Eco Camp are based on the concept of mulasara bumi, guguru ka bumi, caring the earth and learn from the earth, a concept based on Sundanese local wisdom to stay close to nature. This study aims to reveal the forms of communication used at Eco Camp in instilling awareness to preserve the environment based on Sundanese local wisdom. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method, in the form of observation and in-depth interview with Eco Camp personnel and the use of documents that support the research. The results showed group communication is the most commonly used form of communication in instilling awareness of maintaining the environment, both small group and large group communication. Other forms are instructional communication and media communication, both online and offline media. This study concludes that environmental awareness can emerge through patterned education with appropriate communication and conducive environment. The use of local wisdom concept that is close to nature contributes in strengthening the cultivation of consciousness to maintain good relations with nature. Keywords—group communication; mediated communication; Sundanese local wisdom; environmental education; environmental care