Educação ambiental em terreiros afro-brasileiros na cidade de Uberaba-MG

Abstract

African-origin religions, such as Candomblé and Umbanda, were brought to Brazil by enslaved people and utilize natural resources in their rites, which are returned to the natural environment in the form of offerings and rituals. However, these rites can cause negative environmental impacts due to the disposal of inorganic waste. Given that these religions are deeply connected to natural elements, Environmental Education (EE) can play a crucial role in environmental re-education, reducing the improper disposal of materials. This project aimed to raise awareness among the Afro-Brazilian community about the environmental impacts of improper disposal of inorganic waste. A survey of Afro-Brazilian houses in the municipality was conducted, followed by questionnaires applied to their leaders to identify the locations of religious offerings and the materials used. The locations were visited, mapped, and evaluated according to a developed protocol, covering urban and rural areas such as waterfalls, cemeteries, streams, and railway lines. A booklet titled “Our Environmental Worship” was also created to conduct Environmental Education activities in the religious houses. Offerings were found to include materials such as clay pots, plaster, candles, glass, plastic, and organic materials such as fruits, leaves, and cereals. Many areas had riparian forests varying from 50% to 90%, but most contained household and construction waste. The environmental impact index of the offerings ranged from 0% to 70%, classifying the impact from low to high. It was observed that with Environmental Education actions, these values gradually decreased. The results showed that Environmental Education is present in the daily lives of Afro-Brazilian houses and, when well articulated through oral tradition by the people themselves, can promote actions that will bring sustainable environmental ethics and the preservation of natural environments.