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Centro de Estudios Ambientales Miraflores

Citizen garden

Introduction

The CEAM seeks to educate society on environmental values through the implementation of its programs. Environmental education serves as the guiding thread for raising awareness, ecology forms the foundation of all active initiatives, and the rational use of natural resources facilitates interaction. Together, these elements make this complex a unique project in the city of Seville.

Activity Topic

Sustainable consumption

Organisation

University Pablo Olavide

Legal Status

Public body

Activity Description

Aims and Outcomes

One of CEAM’s key programs is the Garden Program, which offers more than 200 ecological family gardens, along with additional plots managed by associations. These spaces, each about 100 square meters, allow gardeners to cultivate food using organic methods, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and local, high-quality food production. In the short term, this program has encouraged community participation and education in environmentally friendly farming techniques. In the long term, it fosters increasing ecological awareness and strengthens social ties within the community.

Another important initiative is the Aldea Program, which provides facilities for ecotourism activities. This program enables groups and organizations to engage in environmental activities, including the option to stay overnight at the center. In the short term, it has expanded the range of educational and recreational activities related to environmental awareness. In the long run, it is expected to deepen participants’ appreciation for and commitment to nature conservation.

The Farm Program at CEAM features facilities housing a variety of animals, serving both educational and recreational purposes for children and adults. In the short term, it has facilitated direct interaction with animals, enriching the learning experience. Over time, it promotes respect for living beings and a greater understanding of biodiversity’s importance.

Additionally, the Equestrian Program is a standout initiative in Seville’s northern district, featuring over 3,000 square meters of equestrian facilities. This program not only offers horseback riding lessons but also aspires to introduce equine therapy in the future, promoting inclusion and well-being for people with different abilities.

In summary, CEAM’s activities address key objectives within a community garden, such as environmental education, the promotion of sustainable practices, and community building. In the short term, concrete results include increased public participation and ecological awareness. In the long term, these initiatives contribute to the development of a society that is more conscious and committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Advantages and Benefits

The Centro de Educación Ambiental Miraflores (CEAM) offers activities that provide environmental, social, health, and economic benefits.

CEAM promotes environmental awareness and hands-on learning through gardening, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. Programs like the Garden Program and Farm Program teach organic farming, responsible land use, and eco-friendly practices.

CEAM’s initiatives strengthen community bonds and social inclusion. The Garden Program encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange, while the Aldea Program provides group experiences in ecotourism. The Equestrian Program supports potential equine therapy, promoting inclusion and well-being.

Outdoor activities like gardening and farm work enhance physical and mental health, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. The Garden Program also promotes self-sufficiency and food security, teaching participants to grow food sustainably, reducing dependence on industrial agriculture.

By combining education, sustainability, and social engagement, CEAM empowers individuals to adopt greener lifestyles, and allow the development of community ties and long-term environmental sense of responsabilities.

Required Competences and Skills

Developing such centre requires expertise in environmental science, ecology, and sustainable agriculture to design programs on biodiversity, organic farming, and climate adaptation. Educational skills help create engaging learning experiences. Strong project management ensures coordination, budgeting, and resource allocation, while fundraising and grant writing secure financial sustainability. Communication skills are essential for promoting environmental awareness and managing outreach. Technical skills in organic farming, permaculture, and urban gardening are needed for maintaining green spaces, while basic carpentry, plumbing, and maintenance help with infrastructure. If the center includes animal-assisted programs or equine therapy, animal care expertise is required. To ensure accessibility, social work and special education skills can help to make programs inclusive. Administrative and financial management keep operations running efficiently.

Evaluation

Evaluating a similar activity involves assessing participation, environmental impact, learning outcomes, social benefits, and long-term effects.. The success of the activities can be measured by tracking participant numbers, demographics, and return rates. Environmental impact can be assessed through biodiversity monitoring, sustainable practices, and waste reduction, indicating positive ecological change. Learning outcomes can be evaluated through surveys, interviews, and observed behavior changes, such as adopting eco-friendly habits.

Conclusions

The CEAM tries, through the implementation of its programmes, to educate society in environmental values. Environmental education as a common thread of awareness, ecology as the fundamental basis of al active treatment and the rational use of natural resources as a means of interaction, make this complex a unique project in the city of Seville. Not limiting the garden to an outdoor space to be cultivated individually, but encouraging sharing and transmission through the creation of a museum and workshops is a very fine and inclusive initiative.

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