Gerardo Ciblos, the Mexican scientist who uses education to defend nature

Gerardo Sebalos, researcher at the Institute of Environment in Unam, states that Environmental education must have a filling approach And do not limit yourself to the transfer of information. Through scientific publications, it is proposed to publish publishing books and memorization advice, a scientific communication model Contact with different sectors of society.

The approach, as mentioned in conferences and articles, is part of the idea that environmental knowledge is useful only If the citizen’s work becomesAnd defending natural heritage and transforming cultural values.

Environmental education on the basis of applied sciences

The Ceballos line shows three axes: Environmental research, preservation of ecosystems, scientific publishing. His educational proposal does not focus on the traditional semester, however Hybrid spaces: The media, books that can be accessed for public masses and cooperation between the constitution.

Among its publications, which aims at the unoccupied audience, titles Mexico is at risk of extinctionand Mexican nature Y Mexican animalsIt is used in educational campaigns and environmental awareness programs.

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Biological diversity data to make decisions

Ceballos argued that the biological diversity crisis cannot be understood or attended without verifying data, but also that these data It must be available and present it in a understandable way.

Therefore, promoted to publish scientific information in accessible formats, such as Photo books, educational videos and opinion articles in the national media.

Part of its strategy was to produce useful knowledge of decision makers. In this line, they coordinated more than 80 artistic studies requested by public, private and academic organizations. These studies have been used to design protection policies in areas such as CHAMEA – Cuixla (JALICO), Calakmul (Campeche), Janos (Chihuahua) and Lerma Ciénagas (Mexico State).

Scientific publishing and social participation

The proposed environmental education model for the idea that publishing should not be an end, but rather a tool for generating enlightened social participation. Through conferences, articles and educational materials, they seek that broad sectors understand the effects of phenomena such as the extinction of species, climate change, or habitat deterioration.

This model has been repeated in official and informal spaces: from universities to community centers. It was also introduced into the campaigns on the species at risk and sustainable management of ecosystems.

Institutional context and international projection

Cebalos proposals were developed from the UNam Institute of Environment, where it works as a junior researcher. In addition, it maintains cooperation with institutions such as the Smithsonian Institute for Equatorial Research and the University of Arizona.

His scientific publications appeared in magazines such as science and the procedures of the National Academy of Sciences. From this academic place, it sought to influence the Mexican and international general policies related to biological diversity.

A model that connects knowledge and work

The general approach that Ceballos keeps is that environmental education should exceed the diagnosis. With his words, Knowledge is useful only if it generates changesNot only in individual behavior, but in collective organization and definition of policies.

Therefore, he insists that environmental education cannot be neutral: it must take a position in the face of the environmental crisis, linking societies and enhance the defense of the region.