ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE PRESERVATION OF RIVERS AND WATER RESOURCES

Abstract

This article discusses Environmental Education (EE) as a continuous process aimed at developing conscious and responsible citizens, highlighting the role of schools in promoting sustainability and environmental citizenship. Aligned with the principles of sustainability and the United Nations 2030 Agenda, it addresses the importance and current condition of water resources, which are frequently threatened by human activities such as the deforestation of riparian forests, irregular occupation of riverbanks, improper waste disposal, and the silting of watercourses—problems that contribute, among other impacts, to the worsening of flooding events. The study also presents strategies for the conservation and restoration of water resources, emphasizing the transformative role of education. As a practical outcome, the educational product “Guardians of the River – Sustainability Mission” was developed as an interactive resource to apply these principles in the school environment. The study aims to demonstrate how a reflective and contextualized approach can promote environmental awareness and encourage practices that contribute to the preservation of water resources.