The Museum of Anthropological and Natural Sciences and the first urban nature reserve in the Province of La Rioja, Argentina

Abstract

The extra-curricular applied Project "The UNLaR Museum in the Takú Urban Nature Reserve" aims to strengthen the link between the National University of La Rioja and the province's first urban nature reserve, located in the capital city and created in 2021 with the purpose of recovering and conserving the native forest. Within the framework of the project, community surveys were conducted to gather perceptions and assessments regarding the Reserve and the Museum. The results showed a high interest in carrying out educational activities focused on biodiversity and natural and cultural heritage. Likewise, institutional coordination efforts were carried out between the Museum of Anthropological and Natural Sciences (MCAyN) and the State Secretariat for Territorial Planning and Sustainable Development (SEOTyDS), aimed at coordinating joint actions. As a result of this collaborative work, exhibitions were organized both in the museum and in the reserve, contributing to the promotion of the conservation of the natural environment and democratic access to knowledge. These actions helped strengthen the ties between the university, the state, and the community, consolidating the Takú Urban Nature Reserve as a strategic space for environmental education, citizen participation, and sustainable development.