ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION POLICIES IN MATO GROSSO: OVERVIEW, CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract: This article analyzes the panorama of Environmental Education (EE) in Mato Grosso, considering its legal frameworks, public policies and pedagogical practices implemented in the school environment. The research adopted a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach, developed from a bibliographic review, documentary analysis and study of practical experiences in municipal and state schools. The results show that the institutionalization of EE in Brazil, initiated with the National Policy on Environmental Education (Law No. 9,795/1999), found in Mato Grosso a unique field of application, marked by biogeographic and sociocultural diversity. The pedagogical practices analyzed—such as school gardens, recycling workshops, selective collection, and the use of digital technologies—were effective for the internalization of socio-environmental values, especially when they are integrated into the curriculum in an interdisciplinary manner and with community participation. However, challenges such as insufficient teacher training, infrastructure limitations, and the discontinuity of projects still compromise the effectiveness of the actions. It is concluded that the strengthening of EE in the state requires investments in continuous teacher training, greater articulation between school, civil society and public power, as well as the use of active methodologies and technological resources. In this way, EE is consolidated not only as an instrument of environmental preservation, but also as a transformative educational practice that promotes citizenship, ethics and sustainability.