Abstract
This paper examines the condition of urban green spaces in Villavicencio, Colombia, focusing on public health risks linked to canine defecation areas and the growing presence of stray dogs. The study was conducted between August and November 2025 using educational cartography, a qualitative research method that promotes the construction of situated knowledge and enables communities to identify local problems. A group of secondary school students, guided by their environmental education teacher, carried out community interviews, photographic records, and classroom debates, strengthening skills in prospective planning and critical thinking. Findings show that, despite the existence of Law 2054 of 2020, which requires municipalities and districts to establish animal welfare centers for lost, abandoned, rescued, or at‑risk domestic animals, actions in Villavicencio remain insufficient and poorly coordinated. The lack of institutional articulation has generated a widespread perception of neglect and avoidance of responsibility regarding urban fauna management and the care of public spaces. As a response, the project produced an urgent action manual that proposes citizen education, adequate park infrastructure, responsible pet care campaigns, and pedagogical sanctions. The study concludes that conserving urban biodiversity and protecting public health depend on the effective implementation of current legislation and coordinated efforts among decision‑making entities, supported by active community participation. It also highlights the pedagogical value of educational cartography as a tool to engage students and teachers in applied research and the collective design of solutions to environmental challenges in urban spaces.
Presenters
Eva Liliana Ardila CortesDocente, Ciencias Naturales y Educación Ambiental, Colegio Técnico Francisco de Paula Santander, Meta, Colombia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Unseen Unsustainability: Addressing Hidden Risks to Long-Term Wellbeing for All
KEYWORDS
Educational cartography, Urban green spaces, Biodiversity conservation, Public health
