Historical-biogeographical circuit in the Mário Xavier National Forest: an ecopedagogical proposal

Abstract

This article aims to present a proposal for a historical-biogeographical trail circuit, developed with the support of geotechnologies, to be implemented in the teaching of Geography and environmental edu-cation through experiential contact with nature. The initiative takes place within the Mário Xavier Na-tional Forest (Flona MX), a Conservation Unit located in the municipality of Seropédica, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The selection of Flona MX as the study site is justified by its historical relevance to local and regional development and its environmental significance, given its rich biodiversity, including endemic and endangered species. The study is grounded in the need to promote discussions on con-servation within basic education while exploring local socio-environmental potential. The methodology involves the development of environmental education materials, such as a virtual itinerary in the form of story maps, structured as a trail circuit that integrates the Biogeography and historical context of Flona MX. The proposed route makes use of pre-existing trails—former pathways used by employees of the forest nursery and experimental station. The resulting Historical-Biogeographical Circuit highlights key environmental points of interest, focusing on two trails (Servidores and Sumaúma/Sapucaia). These trails address content including biological data on selected species, their geographic origins, historical-cultural relationships embedded in the memory of the Conservation Unit and their sociocultural uses. Interpretive ecopedagogical trails, when combined with geographic itineraries, constitute effective di-dactic resources for the teaching of Geography and environmental education. Geotechnologies, in turn, serve as valuable tools in the development of such educational products, enhancing the teaching and learning process as exemplified using story maps, which facilitate both self-guided experiences and guided group activities.