Critical environmental education for wildlife biodiversity conservation: a participative action for environmental social project "Flor da idade, Flor da cidade" (Itirapina-São Paulo)

Abstract:

Given the various threats that endanger biodiversity, it is very important to take actions based on environmental education (EE) aimed at conservation. In this context, this study was developed in the environmental social project "Flor da Idade, Flor da Cidade" (PFIFC) which takes place at the Experimental Station Itirapina, São Paulo state. The research is based on an EE critical perspective and aims to identify the views of young people as to the socio-environmental project in relation to wildlife conservation in order to promote proactive environmental conservation actions based on educational practices and the development of educational materials by participants themselves. The 29 youths of the project were aged 13 to 17 years old, and from 2014 to 2015 participated in 14 meetings in which different issues were addressed with interactive presentations, use of dynamic learning materials, visits to exhibition "Bicho: quem te viu, quem te vê!" and field trips to the protected areas. Thus, according to the qualitative methodology, a survey of the points of views of these young people on the subject was carried out by means of a questionnaire. Considering the data analysis, we concluded that most of them understood the concepts about the issues and showed a greater concern for wildlife conservation. They changed their attitude by producing and disseminating communication material regarding the conservation of local biodiversity.

Keywords:
wildlife conservation; educational practices; socio-environmental project; Critical Environmental Education