Title: Participatory Needs Assessment: Biocultural Knowledge and Conservation Education in the Colombian Amazon.

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Global Indigenous Futures: Collaboration, Climate, and Knowledge in Motion Across the Americas

Abstract

Indigenous communities in the Colombian Amazon face an educational dichotomy between formal schooling providing Western knowledge for external success and community-based learning for territorial protection. This study examines educational challenges where teachers balance preparing youth to navigate both worlds while preserving cultural identity. Through participatory needs assessment, we explored local perspectives on education and youth development. Data collection involved focus groups, arts-based activities and workshops. Findings reveal tensions between Western educational goals and Indigenous values, alongside remarkable observational capacities underutilized in curricula. Despite Colombia’s Own Indigenous Education System policy, structural barriers persist. Results highlight the necessity for biocultural education approaches articulating Indigenous knowledge systems with scientific frameworks, enabling youth to maintain cultural roots while engaging territorial conservation challenges.

Authors

• Carolina Simon-Pardo, University of Florida

• Jose Zafiama, Casa del conocimiento Education Institution K-12

• Julie Brown, University of Florida

• Yue Li, University of Florida