Seeding the Future

Environmental Education and Sustainability in Favelas and Urban Communities

Abstract

Objective – To develop a research instrument with questions aimed at professionals and experienced educators in the field, with the purpose of providing a guiding material for planning environmental education projects and actions, emphasizing the theme of solid waste management.

Methodology – Descriptive and exploratory bibliographic research, followed by content analysis of six articles aligned with the proposed objective. These articles served as the basis for identifying the main challenges faced in environmental education projects carried out in favelas and urban communities, as well as the methodological approaches adopted in order to mitigate such challenges.

Originality/relevance – Favelas face daily lack of basic infrastructure and high levels of social vulnerability. In this context, environmental education becomes essential to promote public health, given its direct relationship with the environment. On the other hand, it is understood that there is still a long way to go to make this process effective so that real and lasting changes are perceived in the population's behavior, both regarding urban solid waste and the environment more broadly.

Results – Initiatives only achieve significant impact with the active participation of residents in discussions and decisions on waste management, which highlights the importance of strengthening the sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
Theoretical/methodological contributions – The developed instrument can be useful for planning informal actions or focus groups composed of professionals or environmental educators working in vulnerable communities.
Social and environmental contributions – The importance of strengthening the sense of belonging and shared responsibility is highlighted so that real and lasting changes are perceived in the population's behavior regarding solid waste and the environment more broadly.