At the Ponderosa we follow a pedagogy based on understanding the organizational principles that ecosystems have developed to sustain life. A pedagogy that strives for learning experiences in the real world, aimed at overcoming an increasing alienation of nature and cultivate a sense of place and belonging. All of this is founded on a rich learning environment in which young people become familiar with the fundamental principles of life.
“Ecological Pedagogy” is defined by the Unesco Institute of Education as an approach that brings back education within the cultural traditions and natural environments of communities, as an alternative to specialized institutes, i.e. schools. At the Ponderosa we translate natural patterns and principles that underlie the conservation of ecosystems into reality; this process is intuitive, earthy and practical. We built up our work around the ‘system theory’ as described by the Austro-American physicist Fritjof Capra, who considers thinking in terms of relationships, patterns and context as crucial for understanding living systems – living organisms, social systems, or ecosystems. . In order to contribute to the dissemination and consolidation of ecological pedagogy concepts, we conduct research at an international level and support initiatives elsewhere in the world. To this end, the Ponderosa cooperates with the International Earth Charter.