Geoeducation is a key line of action within UNESCO Global Geoparks. Therefore, during the revalidation mission of the Comarca Minera Geopark, a visit was made to the Benito Juárez Elementary GeoSchool, located in the community of Velasco, Omitlán de Juárez.
The UNESCO evaluators, Dr. César Goso and Dr. Carlos Merizalde, were welcomed by Mr. Noé Rogelio Esperón Hernández, principal of the school, and Ms. Adela Junco Varela, vice principal.
The purpose of the visit was to learn about the Geopharmacy project, implemented in one of the school’s gardens with support from the Benito Juárez García University for Wellbeing (UBBJ), Huasca de Ocampo campus. This space allows children to learn about medicinal plants and strengthen the connection between knowledge, territory, and education.
Also present during the visit were Dr. Ana María Soler, Director of Communication at the UNAM Institute of Geophysics and member of the Geopark’s Advisory Technical and Scientific Committee; Dr. Juan Carlos Mora Chaparro, Scientific Director of the Geopark; and Ms. María del Carmen Oviedo Parra, General Manager of the Geopark.
The GeoSchool experience demonstrates how education can become a powerful tool for recognizing, valuing, and conserving natural and cultural heritage from the earliest stages of learning.
