Non-formal environmental education: the parks and museums of Santos - SP Silvia Lima Oliveira dos Santos, Fabio Giordano

Abstract

This paper analyzes the theme of non-formal education, which occurs out of formal environment of educational institutions. It supposed that environmental education can be an instrument to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation, it is sought to evaluate if non-formal environmental education in gardens and museums in the city of Santos - SP, it is aimed at conservation of species and if their expositions address the theme of sustainability. It could justify this paper relevance, once next generation awareness and protection of ecosystems could lead to sustainable development. This research can contribute with new knowledge in the academic sphere, as well as raise deeper discussions about non-formal education and its efficiency. This study was conceived as an exploratory research, initially used the bibliographical and documentary research, after that, the researcher used the direct observation in gardens and museums. The city of Santos-SP was chosen as the locus for the present study for the recent positive changes in the development of public policies. After data was collected, interpreted and discussed, it lead to the conclusion that although institutions have quality exposures and pedagogical potential, some need to improve how they communicate about biodiversity and sustainability.