GREEN AREA AND ECOLOGICAL TRAIL: AN IDEAL COMBINATION TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Abstract

Urban green areas are spaces that generate scientific knowledge and a range of educational tools, which must be socialized to promote reflections on the environment, seeking to make the population aware of the importance of biodiversity conservation. In this context, the goal of this study was the implementation of an ecological trail in the Botanical Garden of the State University of Goiás, Southeastern Campus (Quirinópolis), supporting ex-situ conservation efforts of the Cerrado’s flora based on environmental education activities. On the trail, it is possible to observe and obtain information about the potential for economic, medicinal and ecological use of 24 plant species native to the Cerrado, with interactive games among visitors. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the application of a questionnaire, in two stages: the first before the lecture and after visiting the Botanical Garden, and the second after carrying out these activities, with a target audience of 74 academics, distributed in the Biological Sciences Courses, Geography, Pedagogy and Mathematics. Overall, less than 50% of students from all courses were unable to answer the questions before the lecture and trail visit. On the other hand, there was an increase to 50-75% of academics who were able to answer the questions after the activities carried out. This research contributed to increase knowledge about: Cerrado plant species; the importance of the Botanical Garden and green areas; ways of using the Botanical Garden as a pedagogical and environmental education practice.