By Olivia Perez Jimenez | Head of the Environmental Education Program
Environmental Education, Culture, and Climate Action
Results Report · February – May 2026
Introduction
Between February and May 2026, the Environmental Education Program of the Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda strengthened its efforts in environmental awareness, community engagement, and climate action training throughout the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve and surrounding communities.
Through cultural activities, educational initiatives, and institutional partnerships, children, youth, teachers, and families were encouraged to deepen their understanding of ecosystem conservation and adopt more sustainable environmental practices.
The activities carried out during this period contributed to strengthening community participation, preserving local traditions, and fostering a stronger environmental culture throughout the region.
Fiestas de la Tierra: Culture and Environmental Awareness
One of the program’s most important initiatives during this reporting period was the organization of 51 Earth Celebrations (Fiestas de la Tierra). These events were coordinated alongside school principals and teachers and focused on strengthening local cultural traditions while promoting environmental awareness and community participation.
A total of 8,228 participants took part in these celebrations, including students, teachers, and parents, with the involvement of 82 educational institutions.
The Fiestas de la Tierra featured a wide range of artistic and cultural activities, including:
These activities encouraged reflection on the impact of human actions on the natural environment and inspired positive behavioral changes related to environmental conservation.
As part of the awareness-building process, environmental educators from Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda led participatory musical activities using the Honoring the Earth coloring songbook, generating enthusiastic participation from school communities.
In addition, Pati Ruiz Corzo, Executive Director of Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda, delivered messages highlighting the importance of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve as a natural heritage site and refuge for biodiversity, emphasizing the need to protect it through responsible actions at home, in schools, and throughout local communities.
Environmental Theater and Institutional Partnerships
As part of collaborative efforts with public institutions and organizations, Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda, in coordination with the State Water Commission, the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office, and the professional theater group Palacio de los Títeres, presented the educational play:
“A Great Wave of Actions for the Sierra Gorda”
Through interactive audience participation, the performance addressed:
The play emphasized the role forests play in water provision, wildlife habitat protection, and carbon capture and storage as essential components of regional climate action.
Distribution of Educational Materials
To reinforce environmental education efforts and expand the reach of conservation messages, 6,000 educational materials were distributed to teachers, students, and families.
These materials included:
Additionally, two public murals were painted to promote forest fire prevention and bird conservation, using community art as a tool for environmental awareness.
Teacher Training for Climate Action
Currently, 261 teachers are enrolled in the seventh edition of the online diploma course:
Sustainable Development Diploma: Educational Tools for Climate Action
This training program promotes the development of school and community-based projects aligned with the Green Protocol action guidelines and focused on mitigating climate change impacts through education.
Each participant develops and implements intervention projects within their schools or communities, generating a multiplier effect that strengthens sustainability and civic engagement throughout the region.
Strengthening Educational Partnerships
During this reporting period, a strategic meeting was held at the Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda facilities with educational authorities from high school and higher education institutions to strengthen environmental education and awareness initiatives among students.
The meeting also included the participation of Karen Arroyo Zurita, reinforcing interinstitutional collaboration in support of environmental education and social awareness.
During the session, Pati Ruiz Corzo presented several strategic initiatives related to:
As a result of the meeting, participating institutions agreed to continue collaborative planning and follow-up sessions in the coming months.
Program Impact
From February to May 2026, the Environmental Education Program achieved:
These actions continue to foster a more environmentally conscious, participatory, and committed citizenry dedicated to protecting the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve and ensuring a healthier future for coming generations.
Conclusion
The work carried out during this reporting period reflects Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda’s ongoing commitment to environmental education as a transformative tool for strengthening communities, promoting conservation, and building long-term sustainability.
Through participatory educational processes, cultural activities, and strategic partnerships, thousands of people were encouraged to take meaningful action in response to the environmental and climate challenges facing the region.
Thanks to the support of GlobalGiving, these efforts continue generating a positive and lasting impact across schools, communities, and families throughout the Sierra Gorda.
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