Environmental Interpretation and Ethnobotany: Educational Paths of a University Extension Project and Volunteer Work with the Social Actors of Medicinal Plants of Sierras of Cordoba, Argentina

Abstract

We present the origins, objectives, scope and assessment of a University Extension Project and Volunteer Work permeated by the theoretical-conceptual and methodological paradigm of ethnobotany, and by the Environmental Interpretation approach, concerning the social actors involved in the medicinal plants of Sierras de Cordoba. In order to revitalize socio-cultural processes of intergenerational knowledge transference about medicinal plant practices in rural areas of Santa Maria, “participatory ethnobotanical workshops” were held, in addition to the development of a “tourist path for interpretation”, a “living pharmacy”, and a “mountain drugstore”. The project also analyzes how the skills acquired and social practices involved have contributed to the training ofuniversity students, as well as to ensure a more sustainable use of these native resources.