Native and biodiverse networks: report of extension experiences

Abstract

The loss of native plant species is closely linked to the erosion of cultural diversity in rural and urban communities. In response to this socio-environmental problem faced by communities, the collective need to seek potential solutions, building links with key social actors (schools, neighborhoods, representatives of popular knowledge, conservation spaces, and universities), and respecting the life cycles of native gardens; two extension projects were consolidated in the city of Azul (Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina). This work presents stories and results of two years of work. Both projects were intended to generate networks and work links (initially locally and then regionally) in order to recognize, revalue, reproduce and care for the diversity of native plants (and their associated services) as well as planning and creating multipurpose biodiverse green spaces. To address these matters, four stages were proposed: 1) a space for listening and meeting; 2) a diagnosis and collective planning; 3) the formation of teams and multiple and parallel works; 4) a collective evaluation. In this process, different work teams were consolidated, allowing each territory (school, open spaces, neighborhoods, etc.) to generate its own garden (design, selection of species, distribution) and with it its own way of expressing (identity) its relationship with native plants. In this sense, different forms of communication of the experience were created (images, videos, brochures, fairs, workshops, murals, dances, etc.), each of them with their different ways of accompaniment, which respected the dynamics, times and particular objectives of each group.