Assessing environmental literacy in secondary education: the influence of mountain tourism and nature-based activities in Huesca, Spain

Martínez-Aznar, Javier (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; de Frutos, Ángel (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Calvo, Guiomar (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: There appears to be a lack of studies assessing Environmental Literacy among students living in tourist areas. The province of Huesca (NE Spain) includes a mountain tourism zone and has implemented nature-based activity programs at the provincial level for several years. This study aims to determine the level of Environmental Literacy in the province, identify significant differences between mountain tourist and non-tourist areas, and assess the influence of students’ intention to engage in nature-based activities on Environmental Literacy. A questionnaire with 15 questions, previously validated and designed for students enrolled in the last year of compulsory secondary education, was used for this purpose. A total of 387 responses were obtained from 16 high schools. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to analyse possible differences between mountain tourist areas and others. The average Environmental Literacy level of students is 83.7 points of a maximum of 120. The results indicate higher scores in the “Knowledge” and “Attitudes & emotions” dimensions compared to the “Behaviour” dimension. Students from mountain tourist areas demonstrate significantly higher environmental literacy levels than their counterparts from other areas. Additionally, students who participate more frequently in nature-based activities show significantly better environmental literacy outcomes.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1080/10382046.2025.2570540

Año: 2025

Publicado en: International research in geographical and environmental education (2025), 1-17
ISSN: 1038-2046

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/S27-23R

Tipo y forma: Article (PostPrint)

Área (Departamento): Área Didáctica Ciencias Exper. (Dpto. Didácticas Específicas)