Abstract
In this study, we investigated how elementary teachers, students and local community partnerships cooperate to create school biotopes. Our research was based on the results of a questionnaire that we sent to elementary school teachers in 2002 and 2008. The majority of the respondents believe that the purpose of biotopes is for learning about the natural ecosystem of region. Additionally, by 2008, teachers and students were using biotopes for mutual association and relaxation, a big change from 2002. Generally speaking these days, rural schools are more enjoying biotopes with a multi-purpose range of uses than urban schools. Biotope management systems come in three types which are known as: top-down, nature restoration and concept. The top-down type biotope is designed by city planners and elementary schools. The nature restoration type biotope concentrates on elementary schools to restore natural ecosystems of their region. The concept type biotope is a creation of elementary schools and local communities to learn the importance of protecting the natural ecosystem of their region. We want to stress the importance of the concept type which relies on partnering of schools and community leaders to continuously use biotopes as regional environmental resources. Community participation can solve many problems facing biotope management.
