Jandiekua, Revista Mexicana de Educación Ambiental

Introducción al Dossier "Claves para la formación de científicos ambientales"

Gerardo Morales Jasso — 2025-08-11

Con el número especial “Claves para la formación de científicos ambientales” de Jandiekua: Revista de Educación Ambiental se reconoce que una parte importante del desarrollo de la educación ambiental se enfoca en la educación básica y media. De modo que, aunque también está la que se dedica al nivel profesional, el tema de la formación de los científicos ambientales requiere de mayor atención.

El lirio acuático en una presa: una oportunidad de experimentación educativa

Grupo Laboratorio Extramuros IPICYT — 2025-08-08

The “outside the walls” Laboratory (LEMUR) is a space where students from different postgraduate at IPICYT (CONAHCYT Public Center) collaborate on projects for social benefit. This article aims to share our experiences to inspire the creation of this type of space in other postgraduate programs. The LEMUR group has used participatory methodologies in collaboration with different sectors (academia, government, and society) to understand the causes of the invasion of the San José Dam by the water lily, revealing along the way the area of influence on the dam as a complex socio-ecological system. This system includes elements ranging from water treatment to social marginalization. In the LEMUR group, we have identified areas of opportunity for which we hope to trigger collaborative actions between different sectors. At the same time, the LEMUR group explores educational methodologies to implement transdisciplinary approaches to complex socio-environmental problems from the convergence of diverse postgraduate programs.

Formar agentes de cambio con herramientas interdisciplinarias: dos retos en las Ciencias Ambientales

Bernardino Ricardo Eaton Gonzalez — 2025-08-08

Environmental science education confronts challenges such as transitioning toward sustainability sciences, addressing socio-environmental conflicts, and implementing relevant solutions. To achieve this, both soft and hard skills are required. Traditionally, environmental science education has focused on disciplinary training. This document highlights the importance of training agents of change equipped with interdisciplinary scientific tools. Thus, environmental science professionals strengthen their naturalistic intelligence by developing empathy and appreciation for life in all its forms. This enables them to apply critical
and scientific thinking in diagnostics that reflect environmental complexity. Additionally, they require multidisciplinary tools to design, manage, and evaluate long-term innovative interventions. To develop these competencies, student-centered pedagogical strategies must be implemented. For instance, strategies implemented in the Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences at UABC are analyzed.

Afrontar la complejidad promoviendo comunidad en un posgrado en Ciencias Ambientales. Mi experiencia como coordinador.

Javier Fortanelli Martínez — 2025-08-08

In this text, Javier Fortanelli Martínez recounts his experience as coordinator (2017-2019) of the Multidisciplinary Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences (PMPCA) at UASLP, focused on training professionals
to solve complex environmental problems through a multidisciplinary approach. Upon taking office, he faced challenges such as the program's decline in status with CONACYT (National Council of Sciences and
Technology), student dropouts, and faculty fragmentation into thematic enclaves. To rebuild the academic community, he prioritized student development by updating courses, peer-reviewing faculty (with an emphasis
on mentoring and co-authoring with students), and revitalizing multidisciplinary seminars. He promoted membership through events on PMPCA anniversaries and student participation mechanisms. He managed to
regain the "Consolidated" status for master's programs (2018) and strengthen the international ENREM program, which attracts 52% of UASLP's international students. He emphasizes the importance of communication
and consensus within the Academic Committee, as well as the need to connect with the public and private sectors. He concludes that the PMPCA is ready to move toward an interdisciplinary model, thanks to a
cohesive community with a shared identity and goals.

La Huasteca Potosina: Un laboratorio natural para la formación de científicos ambientales

Luis Jesús Castillo Pérez — 2025-08-08

The Huasteca Potosina is a natural laboratory for the training of environmental scientists. This article highlights the contributions of the Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory in the training of undergraduate and graduate students, through various projects developed in this region. Among the most outstanding projects is one focused on the conservation of endangered orchids, and of medicinal and ornamental relevance. Through an interdisciplinary approach, techniques such as biotechnological micropropagation, the study of phytochemicals and ecological and environmental interactions have been developed. This practical experience fosters scientific skills and sensitizes students about the importance of biodiversity and sustainability, preparing them as agents of change in environmental conservation. The Huasteca Potosina offers an ideal environment for research that contributes to the knowledge and conservation of biodiversity, sustainable development, and the understanding of the interaction between humans and the environment.

¿Sueño o quimera? Análisis de un programa de licenciatura en Ciencias Ambientales

Aída Atenea Bullen Aguiar — 2025-08-08

As an environmental educator, I dreamed of participating in an environmental education project that could delve deeper into the causes of the civilizational crisis, its consequences, and its solutions. I thought that a workshop was not enough, nor a short course, but a bachelor's program could achieve that dream. I currently work at a higher education institution and wonder if that ideal has been fulfilled, if a formal four-year program achieves the goal of environmental education. I review the case of the Bachelor of Environmental Sciences (BES) at the National School of Higher Studies, Morelia (ENES, Morelia), specifically their current curriculum, its objectives, its structure, and the syllabi for the research courses that teach specific techniques and methods that are used to study environmental problems.

La importancia de la materia Participación Social en la formación de científicos ambientales

Leonardo Ernesto Márquez Mireles — 2025-08-08

This article analyzes the fundamental role of the Social Participation course in the training of environmental scientists within the Multidisciplinary Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí. Through a theoretical and practical approach, the course integrates geographical and anthropological perspectives and participatory methodologies to foster collaboration between scientists and communities in solving environmental problems. It highlights the importance of overcoming epistemological and cultural barriers among stakeholders, promoting active, conscious, organized, and sustained social participation, as well as environmental governance strategies and the construction of ecological citizenship. The article reflects on the challenges faced by students—mostly from techno-scientific backgrounds—when working with communities and proposes tools to improve communication, co-decision-making, and the legitimization of local knowledge. Finally, the article underscores the importance of linking environmental science with inclusive political processes.

Reflexiones sobre la formación de científicos ambientales desde la química

Luis Felipe Cházaro — 2025-08-11

This article reflects on the challenges and strate-gies in the training of environmental scientists from the perspective of chemistry, based on the author's experien-ce as a professor and academic coordinator in the Envi-ronmental Sciences Division of the Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, A. C. The arti-cle highlights the intrinsic complexity of environmental sciences, which require interdisciplinary approaches to address multifaceted problems. The author, a chemist by training, discusses the difficulties of teaching chemistry to students with diverse profiles that are not reduced to those with a chemical profile and emphasizes the need to adapt pedagogical methods to make chemical concepts accessible and relevant in the training of environmental scientists. Key lessons include fostering environmental awareness, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and integrating real-world problems into teaching. In addition, it advocates broadening job prospects beyond academia and highlights the importance of commu-nicating science effectively. The conclusions call for a flexible and inclusive educational approach that prepares environmental scientists capable of addressing dynamic and interconnected challenges.

Jandiekua: Tejido de voces en torno a la formación de científicos ambientales

Rosalba Thomas Muñoz — 2025-08-11

En una época que nos exige coraje epistemológico y sensibi-lidad política, este número especial de Jandiekua nos invita a mirar de frente uno de los temas más urgentes y poco explorados con la profundidad que merece: la formación de científicos ambientales. No como simples técnicos de la gestión de lo natural, sino como sujetos ético-políticos que transitan en territorios complejos donde la ciencia, la comunidad y la vida dialogan, tensan y transforman sus bordes.