Abstract
The Jorge Hernández Camacho Hydrobotanical Garden in Caucasia, Antioquia, presented environmental problems due to the pollution of the Santa Elena Stream, poor solid waste management, wastewater dumping, solid waste burning, and deforestation driven by urban expansion and the demand for wood for the construction of informal settlements. This research developed a didactic and pedagogical strategy to mitigate negative environmental impacts and promote ecosystem conservation and environmental health. A mixed approach with quantitative and qualitative techniques was used. Forty participants completed a diagnostic survey (pretest) to assess environmental knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes. Preliminary results showed a low understanding of the negative environmental impacts and the ecological importance of the garden. A didactic pedagogical booklet was designed and implemented that addressed topics of environmental education, environmental health, ecosystem conservation, environmental impacts, among others, based on participatory methodologies. The implementation of the booklet led to a significant increase in knowledge, positive attitudes, and environmental awareness. Nine of the 22 questions evaluated were statistically significant according to the Student t test, with a p value < 0.05. The non-significant questions showed improvements over already high levels. The activities strengthened the sense of belonging and relevance, and promoted sustainable practices and environmental conservation proposals. It was concluded that the strategy was effective in the appropriation and transfer of knowledge, changing negative attitudes into positive ones, and strengthening environmental values that contribute to the sustainable development of the community.