Conceiving intelligent territories from the experience of Asopasquillita: environmental education and agroecology

Abstract

Introduction: The environmental crisis, socio-environmental conflicts, and territorial injustices present the challenge of building sustainable cities and communities (Sustainable Development Goal 11). Recognizing and strengthening collective peasant action experiences is key to advancing toward smart, sustainable, and just territories. Objective: This article analyzes the organizational, pedagogical-environmental, and agroecological capacities of Asopasquillita, to propose strategies to strengthen its territory against urban pressures. Methodology: The research adopts the theory of transformation applied to possible territories and the Territorii Method, exploring "real," "lived," and "possible" territorialities within a participatory approach. Techniques such as document review, social mapping, and participatory rural diagnostics were used to identify socio-environmental challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.
Results: The results show that urban expansion and pressure on natural resources create conflicts that affect the sustainability of the territory. The community perceives the city as a threat, which has motivated Asopasquillita to implement agroecological practices and environmental education to defend its territory. Conclusions: The "territorial intelligence" approach proves effective by integrating local and academic knowledge in building sustainable solutions to current socio-environmental crises.