Socio-environmental management in communities in vulnerable situations

Abstract

This article addresses university-based socio-environmental management for vulnerable communities. It incorporates innovative elements and highlights the integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development: social, environmental, and economic. Raising awareness among residents regarding environmental problems and all environmental components is essential, which constitutes a challenge in the current environmental landscape. This is necessary for residents to participate in the search for possible solutions, with personal and collective responsibility. The objective of the study was to propose educational activities for socio-environmental management in vulnerable communities in the municipality of Imías, Guantánamo. The educational activities respond to the structural components: design, implementation, and evaluation. The theoretical and methodological references of socio-environmental management are systematized, a community assessment is conducted, and a proposal for its application in pedagogical practice is made. A descriptive, mixed-method research design was developed. Participant observation, user interviews, and a resident survey were used to verify information on the current status of the study object, observe and interpret the interests, share experiences, and share the participants' actions and knowledge. The assessment of the implementation of the activities, based on the methods used and the methodology adopted, led to a positive result, confirming a favorable trend, relevant to the socio-environmental management of the residents of District 1 of the Imías People's Council.