Landscape Laboratory in Manaus, Brazil, at the VIII International Congress on Environmental Education of Portuguese-Speaking Countries and Communities
Last July, in Manaus, under the theme “Environmental education and local action: responses to the climate emergency, environmental justice, democracy and well-being”, the VIII International Congress on Environmental Education of Portuguese-Speaking Countries and Communities took place, organized by the Lusophone Network for Environmental Education (Rede Luso), involving CPLP countries and Galicia.
For one week, different agents of environmental education – from the highest government bodies, academics, researchers, teachers, educators, and technicians – gathered to debate Environmental Education and potential strategies for the challenges our planet faces.
In a unique stage for reflection, discussion, and sharing, it became clear that, despite the enormous territorial differences, environmental priorities, and levels of awareness among CPLP countries and Galicia, there is a unifying element common to all – resilience in the pursuit of a more sustainable planet.
With this focus, dozens of inspiring and mobilizing projects were shared in various environmental areas, at different scales and contexts, demonstrating that change is possible; that it is possible to transform territories and citizens through the combination of scientific knowledge and environmental education; that it is possible to reverse environmental decline in urban, forest, or agricultural areas, in more or less developed communities, with projects articulated between local stakeholders and communities; that it is possible to raise awareness of the urgency of the green transition, even in countries with greater economic difficulties, through the definition of public strategies; that it is possible to empower and engage even the most vulnerable communities, by addressing their real needs, involving them in decision-making, and creating bonds and commitments to change.
In this context, the Landscape Laboratory contributed by sharing some of its most emblematic environmental education projects, in a presentation entitled “The impact of participation and co-creation methodologies in environmental education projects”, demonstrating that change happens through horizontal policies, where citizens, scientists, technicians, and leaders discuss and share the stage in decision-making. Projects such as Bairro C – Zero Carbon Commitment, Metrominuto, Eco Parliament, Limp.Ar, CApt2, Ave for All, Mini-forests, among others, were highlighted as success stories in environmental awareness, behavior change, and territorial transformation.
On a personal level, participation in the Manaus Congress was an unforgettable experience, not only for the learnings, networking, synergies, and future work opportunities, but above all for the disturbing realization that the world indeed moves at very different speeds regarding environmental issues, showing that there is still a long and arduous road ahead. Still, there are also strong signs of hope (the most frequently used word during the Congress), reflected in more conscious and sustainable governmental positions, revolutionary projects, or inspiring movements that drive all those who dedicate their time and work daily to environmental issues to do more and better, with the true feeling that it is worth acting to build a better future for our common home.
The VIII International Congress on Environmental Education of Portuguese-Speaking Countries and Communities was attended by a Portuguese delegation of about fifty entities, including representatives of the Portuguese government (Ministry of Education), the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the Blue Flag Association for Environment and Education (ABAAE), the Portuguese Association of Environmental Education (ASPEA), several environmental NGOs, researchers from universities across the country, municipalities, teachers, and students.
Susana Falcão
Coordinator of Education for Sustainability at the Laboratório da Paisagem