Contribution of ethnosciences to the regionalization of rural school curricula. A proposal for valuing local ethnobotanical knowledge in Paravachasca and Calamuchita, Province of Córdoba

Abstract

Protecting plant natural resources and lore about their uses requires a sigrnficant commitment translated into school curricula especially in rural schools. This plan means the development of an interdisciplinary work. One of the most recent concerns that have arisen in ethnobotanical research is the loss of flora knowledge that can be potentially useful, a process known as cultural erosion'. A study of peasants and oral school students in the area of Paravachasca and Calamuchita (in SW Cordoha) has confirmed this situation. To tackle this we present an educational proposal to develop an interdisciplinary project with local ethnobotanical lore as its main axis. This proposal shnws the relationship between this field knowledge and the concept, procedure and attitude contents of the main areas of scholl curricula and suggests methodological resources oriented to preserve native flora and local culture, and to promote self-support. Finally, some native plants of frequent use among peasants of the area are presented as well as some strategies are indicated to promote familiarization of the students with plants used in several fields of traditional culture, such as dyeing, traditional medicine and food.