Geografía cultural y educación ambiental: un estudio de caso en la Universidad de La Habana

Abstract

This study evaluates the contribution to environmental education of the optional course in Cultural Geography, taught to fourth-year students at the Faculty of Geography at the University of Havana between 2018 and 2023. The analysis focused on the course objectives, the content covered, and particularly on the impact of the fieldwork conducted in the cultural landscapes of the Bahía de La Habana and Regla. Qualitative methods and techniques, such as case study, documentary review, participant observation, focus group, and data triangulation, were used to assess the effectiveness of the course in understanding the culture-environment interrelationship, as well as in the development of environmentally responsible attitudes and practices. The results indicate a significant increase in students' environmental knowledge and a greater sensitivity towards the conservation of cultural and natural heritage. It´s concluded that this elective course, through the study of cultural landscapes, represents an effective tool to promote environmental education, fostering awareness and socio-environmental responsibility in future geographers. Future research is suggested to expand the scope of the study to other geographical areas and evaluation methodologies.