Abstract

The present research aimed to validate, through a workshop, an Environmental Education Plan based on mangroves in the coastal community of Chacarita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. This educational process consisted of competencies identified through a survey applied to the community, which included knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Participants in the validation workshop were given a pre and post-test to evaluate the acquisition of competencies, and the effect size (Cohen's .) of the workshop in strengthening these competencies among the attendees was measured. Fifteen people attended the workshop, of which 80% were women and 80% were between the ages of 25 and 48. Significant differences were demonstrated differences between the pre and post-tests administered (. < .05; . = .002; . = 0.45), indicating a positive change in the acquisition of competencies. The obtained results allowed for the creation of an easily understandable educational manual based on mangroves. In conclusion, participatory approaches are particularly suitable for the planning and development of educational programs as they enable communities to acquire not only competencies but also generate information for better natural resource management.

Keywords Validation Workshop; Mangrove; Community; Competence; Environmental Awareness