Innovation and Challenges in the Environmental Education: a view from the educational practice in Pinar del Río

Abstract

Environmental education provides the knowledge, habits, skills, attitudes, and modes of action that contribute to the education of the personality of 21st-century Cuban citizens, making them responsible for decision-making in the face of environmental problems that ensure a quality of life based on prosperous and sustainable development. The aim of this article is to develop a system of activities that strengthens Environmental Education among third-year Biology students at the Tania la Guerrillera provincial center in the municipality of Pinar del Río, Cuba. Theoretical methods such as historical-logical analysis and synthesis were used, as well as empirical methods, documentary study, and observation. A significant decrease in the biological diversity of the DrC “Armando Jesús Urquiola Cruz” Arboretum, located in the Hermanos Cruz neighborhood, was revealed, attributed mainly to anthropogenic factors such as habitat alteration, the introduction of invasive species, and the insufficiency of adequate conservation measures, but also to the development of a significant environmental commitment. The students showed a willingness to continue participating in environmental initiatives that promote the conservation and recovery of the Alboretum's biological diversity, indicating that an educational approach combined with practical actions is a promising avenue for solving this environmental problem. The integration of environmental education with direct conservation actions represents an effective strategy for addressing environmental problems in urban natural spaces, strengthening the relationship between the educational community and the natural environment.