University students participate in a field trip
In an inspiring demonstration of collaboration between academia, civil society, and local communities, the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Brazil, has successfully concluded a two-year environmental project, “Getting to Know the Geographical Space I Inhabit – Guapó Municipality.” The initiative, which aimed to foster environmental awareness and sustainable practices within Guapó, Goiás, culminated with the publication of a groundbreaking manual. Officially launched on June 27, 2023, in conjunction with World Environment Day, the project emphasized the importance of understanding geographical spaces to prevent environmental degradation. Through a multidisciplinary approach involving students, educators, and researchers, the initiative sought to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and local realities in regard to the environment.
From its inception, the project involved high school students from Valdivino Serafim State School, who participated in educational tours, workshops, and field visits to UFG. These activities helped them explore key environmental themes such as land use, topography, and urban infrastructure. Additionally, students had the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences, such as painting workshops using soil-based pigments and observing drone demonstrations to understand geographic data collection.
Manual created on the “Getting to Know the Geographical Space I Inhabit – Guapó Municipality” project
Professor Andrelisa de Jesus and a team of experts across multiple disciplines—including geography, biology, environmental science, civil engineering, and visual arts—coordinated the project, which fostered knowledge-sharing between university researchers and the local community. As Professor de Jesus explained, “We don’t seek to impose scientific knowledge; rather, we aim for a collaborative, horizontal approach.” This philosophy ensured that the final publication was shaped by the lived experiences and insights of the Guapó community, making it a truly participatory initiative.
The project was also strengthened by the active participation of three university students sponsored by GPF Brazil. These students played a pivotal role in conducting research, facilitating community engagement, and compiling data that formed the foundation of the final manual. Additionally, 15 student volunteers and 50 professional participants contributed their expertise to the initiative.
The project’s grand finale took place on December 19, 2024, with a closing ceremony celebrating the publication of a comprehensive manual designed for teachers and students. This book serves as a practical guide to understanding environmental sustainability and geographical space, offering exercises and team activities to enhance learning. Beyond its local impact, the project aspires to reach a global audience. The manual will be available online in 2025, followed by an English edition to extend its accessibility to a wider network of educators and learners.
GPF Brazil has long been committed to environmental stewardship, spearheading projects that promote sustainable practices, conservation, and community education. By engaging local communities, universities, and policymakers, GPF works to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for natural resources. Through hands-on initiatives, educational programs, and collaborative research, GPF encourages proactive environmental action, ensuring that knowledge is not just disseminated but actively applied to create tangible, lasting impacts.
Participants in the project “Getting to Know the Geographical Space I Inhabit – Guapó Municipality.”
For more details on the project’s journey, watch the video interview from the University News: Watch Here
To access the full bulletins and reports, visit: Project Reports.
To learn more about GPF Brazil’s work or get involved, visit their website at www.gpfbrasil.org
