Estrategia de Educación Ambiental para la Protección y Conservación del Mangle Rojo (Rhizophora mangle) en Crespo, Cartagena

Mangroves are essential ecosystems for coastal biodiversity and face serious threats due to deforestation and intensive exploitation. In Cartagena, Colombia, the felling of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) is driven by urban expansion and the demand for wood for construction and charcoal, transforming these ecosystems into areas for agriculture and aquaculture. This project addressed the issue through an environmental education strategy in the Crespo neighborhood, specifically in the Parque del Cangrejo Azul sector. The strategy was developed to raise awareness about the ecological importance of mangroves, their role in coastal protection, and their contribution to climate change mitigation. The research used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Diagnostic surveys were conducted to assess the participants’ prior knowledge of red mangroves and their ecological importance. These were followed by the implementation of a pedagogical guide titled "Roots of the Mangrove", designed for different academic levels. The guide included concepts about red mangroves and practical activities to deepen understanding of this species. After its implementation, an evaluative survey revealed a significant increase in participants’ knowledge and awareness of the importance of conserving red mangroves. The analysis of the results showed the effectiveness of the pedagogical guide in conveying key concepts and promoting a shift in attitudes toward environmental conservation. The project achieved its goals of educating and raising awareness among the Crespo community, highlighting the effectiveness of pedagogical tools in promoting environmental conservación.