STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION AS A STRATEGY FOR PROPOSED MANAGEMENT OF A NATURAL CONSERVATION AREA (JATAÍ ECOLOGICAL STATION, LUIZ ANTONIO, SÃO PAULO)

Abstract

Difficulties in the implementation of conservation programs assume the importance of research on environmental perceptions in assisting decision-making with regard to these programs. In this work, a comparative study was carried out of the interior knowledge, as points of view of an interactive group with a conservation unit (Jatai Ecological Station, Luiz Antonio, Sao Paulo), constituted by surrounding landowners and/or administrators, with the exterior knowledge, as a formal scientific approach. The perceived knowledge, through investigations of compartmentalization and of decisions regarding use and precautions relative to the Ecological Station and its surrounding, permitted characterization of the Station as a predominantly natural habitat in which vegetation and water are the most significant components and which requires measures for its preservation and for combating activities which place is structural and functional integrity at risk. The results of this study corroborate the necessity of an harmonious interaction between formal scientific knowledge and unconventional approaches based on the populations involved, in order to formulate management proposals for natural environments subject to human pressures.