Traditional ecological knowledge: pathways to improve environmental education
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Centro de Estudos Ibéricos (CEI), 2013 Projet Territórios, Sociedades e Culturas em Tempo de Mudança: Paisagens, Património Natural e Valorização dos Recursos 2010-2013 Project Cultibos, Yerbas i saberes, ON2, QREN, NORTE-09-0230-FEDER-000064 and Fundo EDP Biodiversidade
On the behalf of two funded research projects, developed for five years in 25 communities of NT, scattered all over two natural protected areas (Parque Natural de Montesinho and Parque Natural Douro Internacional), the research team have reported and documented ethnobotanical knowledge and intangible heritage. Based on this information several educational initiatives were organized, involving local partners, aiming to improve environmental awareness and promote biodiversity, sustainable use and conservation strategies. Residents and emigrants, as well as children and younger, from primary to post-secondary schools, were the prime target of these campaigns.
This communication describes some examples (e.g., field walks, guided tours, workshops, exhibitions, fairs, festivals), and discusses how these outdoor and experiential initiatives can contribute to people's knowledge and awareness about the environment and to foster attitudes in order to promote sustainable management of resources and social and economic opportunities. Moreover, it highlights local people’ motivation and benefits while involved in such initiatives (e.g. telling stories, basket weaving, farming techniques, wild plants and mushrooms gathering) and informal networks.
