Evolution of environmental education in the National Botanical Garden of Cuba

Abstract

Introduction: In its historical development, the process and development of environmental education at the National Botanical Garden of Cuba has gone through different stages, each one with its own characteristics that differentiate it from others. Materials and methods: The historical-logical method, analysis-synthesis, documentary analysis and participant observation served as a theoretical-methodological basis for the research carried out. The objective of this article is to reveal the main results related to this topic at the different times through which the educational process aimed at the visiting public and local communities in this institution has taken place, as well as the characterization and main achievements in them. Results: The stages are: 1. Foundation and constructive development (1968-1983); 2. Public opening and first steps (1984-1989); 3. Realization of Forest Festivals and creation of the Scientific-Methodological Commission (1990-2005); 4. Creation of the Subdirectorate of Environmental Education and Recreation (2006-2019); and 5. New general management and organizational chart (2019-2024). Discussion: The sequences of stages allowed the achievement of the results obtained, ranging from organizational and structural, through awareness, action, transmission of knowledge and training in values for visitors and communities, promoting respect and care for nature. Conclusions: The fourth stage is the most splendorous, characterized by the diversity of educational actions carried out by environmental educators and the active participation of visitors in them.