POPULAR KNOWLEDGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: THE USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE COMMUNITY OF BARRA DO JUCÚ (ES)

Abstract

This article presents the results of an ethnobotanical research developed in the community of Barra do Jucú, in Vila Velha (ES), whose objective was to rescue the traditional knowledge about the use of medicinal plants and promote their feedback through educational actions with the school public. The investigation was conducted in two stages: an ethnobotanical survey with 50 residents of the community, identifying 32 plant species with medicinal uses; and development of pedagogical activities with students from the 4th and 5th year of elementary school in a local school. The activities included illustrated booklets, herborization practices and application of diagnostic and evaluative questionnaires. The data reveal a strong relationship between traditional knowledge and the daily use of plants, with predominantly oral and family transmission. Educational actions based on this knowledge proved to be effective in valuing local culture and encouraging sustainable practices in health and the environment. It is concluded that the articulation between ethnobotany, environmental education and school intervention can strengthen citizenship formation, cultural identity and ecological awareness.