ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEGAL PROTECTION

Abstract

: This study examines environmental education as a means of making legal environmental protection effective in Brazil. It adopts a qualitative approach through a narrative literature review and documentary analysis of the 1988 Federal Constitution, Law No. 6,938/1981 and Law No. 9,795/1999, including the amendments introduced by Law No. 14,926/2024. The study addresses the foundations of environmental protection, educational objectives, institutional responsibilities and the relationship between education, public participation and prevention. The legal dimension of environmental education derives from its constitutional and statutory basis, implementation duties and potential contribution to the right to an ecologically balanced environment. The analysis highlights the importance of continuity, educator training and coordination among public policies, without measuring empirical effects on environmental damage. It concludes that environmental education complements inspection, licensing and accountability and requires coordinated implementation and ongoing evaluation.