Environmental education and the Bogotá River: an intervention to be carried out in Cundinamarca (Colombia)

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Bogotá River is one of the most contaminated bodies of water in Colombia and in the world. It originates in Guacheneque Páramo (Villapinzón, Cundinamarca) in the centre of the country and runs 336 kilometres before joining the Magdalena River. Along its course, the river receives the sewage of approximately 20.9% of Columbia's population. The objective of this study was to analyse how School Environmental Projects (SEPs), organized by educational institutions located in the zone of influence of the river's upper watershed, foster environmental responsibility towards the Bogotá River. Eighteen educational institutions from six municipalities participated. A descriptive methodology was used, including qualitative documentary analysis and a semi-structured interview. The results show that SEPs are not meeting educational needs with respect to caring for and conserving the watershed. Only two high schools considered the Bogotá River a concrete activity rather than a teaching location. Pedagogical strategies that involve the river in school dynamics are urgently needed.