Hands On STEM Education for Biodiversity Learning

Background Integrating traditional knowledge from the Colombian Pacific with gender-inclusive approaches in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has become a key strategy to foster interest in scientific careers, especially among communities with limited access to higher education. Since 2020, the BECAP initiative has promoted this synergy by connecting ancestral knowledge with bioprocesses. Building on the momentum of COP16, it seeks to empower Colombian youth by linking STEM and biodiversity to drive innovative and sustainable solutions. Results Through hands-on workshops that combined local traditional knowledge with scientific principles, a significant increase in interest toward STEM careers was observed among participating students, particularly girls and students from ethnic minority groups. Contextualized experiments—such as bioprocesses applied to conservation—proved effective in strengthening students’ sense of belonging, curiosity, and motivation toward science. Conclusions The project effectively democratizes access to scientific knowledge while reinforcing cultural identity and gender equity in STEM. Results indicate that similar initiatives can be scaled throughout Latin America, aligning with global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals and outcomes from COP16. By connecting education, sustainability, and inclusion, BECAP represents a replicable model for engaging youth in solving the ecological challenges of the 21st century.