University, environmental education and community engagement for sustainable development: A study of the horta escolar project, university of southern santa catarina, Brazil

Abstract

The promotion of sustainable development and ecological preservation is directly related to environmental education. Universities can provide mechanisms for devising and implementing various sustainability standards in their surrounding communities. This article presents the Horta Escolar Project, developed by the University of Southern Santa Catarina, Brazil, which aims to promote awareness of environmental conservation through sustainable practices in food production. This project resulted from a case study involving both primary school students and university outreach students, aiming to improve knowledge about sustainability and nutrition through the creation of a school garden allowing students to cultivate their own food. This process demonstrated that experiences of this type can effectively contribute to healthy eating and stimulating a culture of environmental preservation.