Political ecology: a reading of changes promoted by non-formal environmental education in Santiago de Cali - Colombia

Abstract

In the face of anthropogenic pressure on the environment, the role of environmental education to generate changes that redefine the human-nature relationship in the territories is preponderant. This qualitative hermeneutic research had a descriptive explanatory approach and studied cultural and socio-environmental changes promoted by specific non-formal environmental education processes carried out in Santiago de Cali - Colombia regarding the conservation of environmental goods and ecosystem services, beautification of the environment, food sovereignty and preservation of biodiversity. Potential environmental education indicators were identified to assess the changes promoted, specific indicators were defined by investigating experiences, perceptions and motivations of participating social actors and their correspondence was contrasted from political ecology and critical environmental thinking. It was found that the definition of environmental education indicators presents considerable challenges and that, although the educational processes enabled a better understanding of environmental issues, the cultural and socio-environmental changes promoted depend on socioeconomic dynamics, ethical and cultural practices and the exercise of political power.