BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN UNIVERSITY AND SOCIETY: EXPERIENCE OF INSERTING EXTENSION IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Abstract

This report aims to describe the main experiences and lessons learned from the implementation of a "Curricular Action in Community and Society (ACCS)" in the field of Environment, entitled "Science, Communication, and Citizenship: Engaging civil society in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services actions," aimed at undergraduate students at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). Over the years it has been offered, this curricular component has provided students with enriching experiences and contributed to strengthening the integration between teaching, research, and extension through various activities, building bridges between the university and society, strengthening collective identity, empowering local communities, and enhancing self-esteem of them. Based on the lessons learned, we seek to reflect on the barriers that need to be overcome for a more widespread and qualified integration of University Extension into undergraduate and graduate curricula in our country.