University extension in the democratic construction of the territory: reflections on a cultural landscape of the province of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Abstract

This article intends to reflect, analyzing a case study from Argentina, on the role and engagement of the public university, specifically through extension, in the democratic construction of a territorial project. The case constitutes a cultural landscape within the mountain system of Tandilia (province of Buenos Aires), whose characteristics have been investigated by public universities for more than forty years. However, the history of projects and extension activities to democratize that knowledge and favor collective patrimonialization processes is scarce. In consideration of two current situations such as, on the one hand, the threat of the landscape against private investment interests, government disinterest and lack of planning, and on the other hand, the high valuation and community interest for its conservation, this area of the public university becomes a political action that needs to be analyzed.