In the heart of the Peruvian Andes lies the Colca and Volcanoes Global Geopark. Andagua, a unique region characterized by extraordinary geological diversity and a rich cultural heritage.
Recognized for its scientific, aesthetic and cultural value, this natural space represents a unique opportunity to implement geological formation strategies that contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
The 4GEON project is an innovative initiative to integrate playful geoeducation into general education, recognizing its potential to promote scientific literacy, ecological awareness and sustainable development.
The main objective of this project is to develop and disseminate high-quality educational resources that will enable teachers of different educational levels within the geoparks incorporate teaching children and the indigenous population about the importance of geomorphological and geological heritage.
It is important to understand geoeducation, which is defined as education about the Earth and its processes, using the natural environment as an open classroom for learning. This discipline seeks to promote the understanding of geological phenomena, the appreciation of geological and geomorphological heritage and the adoption of environmentally responsible practices where geoparks are located, with the participation of the local population.
In this sense, the importance of geoeducation in the Colca Geopark and Andagua Volcanoes presents an ideal scenario for the implementation of geoeducation through the 4GEON project. for these reasons:
Geological wealth: The geopark is home to many geological formations, including volcanoes, canyons, glaciers, fossils and complex geological structures, this geological diversity offers endless opportunities for learning and research.
Cultural heritage : The Geopark is also an important repository of cultural heritage, with archaeological sites, ancestral traditions and unique oral cultural expressions that are closely linked to the geology of the place and the population living in the Geopark.
Need for sustainable development : The region where the Geopark is located faces challenges such as poverty, deforestation of wild flora and the inadequate management of renewable and non-renewable natural resources through geoeducation can contribute to the environmental awareness of the population and visitors, the promotion of sustainable practices that have an impact on future generations and the valorisation of natural and cultural heritage to boost local development over time.
Therefore, in the execution of the 4GEON project, the benefits sought are the following:
- Greater knowledge and understanding of the geological and cultural heritage by the local population of the geopark through the delivery of geocourses and geocontests.
- Development of a culture of respect and appreciation for the environment with the participation of the local population and visitors who can visit the geosites through the Geobus.
- Promotion of sustainable practices for the management of natural resources through the implementation of interpretation spaces within the geopark where children and the population can learn in a fun way.
- Strengthening local cultural identity, through participation in competitions revaluing the traditions and customs of the local population.
- Promoting local economic development through responsible geotourism involving local guides and experiential houses, providing a unique stay for visitors to the geopark.
Geological structures become the basic basis for the sustainable development of UNESCO Global Geoparks, these must be promoted in a sustainable way where the understanding and appreciation of the geological, geomorphological, natural heritage and cultural heritage of this unique region, contribute to the protection of the environment, the well-being of local communities and the strengthening of the cultural identity of the region.
This is how the 4GEON project in the Colca and Andagua Volcanoes Geopark has been promoting recreational geoeducation with the participation of the local population in various educational activities with a view to sustainable development of the Geopark.
Author: Abraham Caceres Cabana