Percepção ambiental da comunidade de Mostardas na importância e conservação do Parque Nacional da Lagoa do Peixe, RS

Abstract

The Parque Nacional da Lagoa do Peixe (PNLP), created in 1986, is located on the coastal plain and is a major conservation units in southern Brazil. The park is home to migratory birds and southern boreal forest, one of the biggest wealth of migratory birds in Brazil. In 1993, he was recognized as a Ramsar Site, status of international importance. Protected Areas are important sites for conservation, but conservation focused only on the ecological context becomes pragmatic, influencing the social integration of the park. The image of an untouched nature of the conflict increases for individuals and park. Many studies emphasize the importance of local knowledge to conservation processes. However, little is known about how knowledge of conservation manifests itself in social groups. But there is a growing recognition that the participation of local people is essential in environmental management of protected areas. Insert the human context of management practices and management approaches for people and park. After the creation of PNLP, a series of socio-economic conflicts are deployed in the region of Mostardas and Tavares (Rio Grande do Sul), with a view to agricultural activity at that location as the timber sector through the pines. The relationship between people and park have become contentious due to the restriction of land use by farmers, ranchers and fisher folk living within the national park. From these elements, this study aims to describe and analyze the perceptions and arguments of the residents in and around the park, taking into consideration three main aspects: biodiversity conservation, socio-economic importance and conflicts related to the national park. The methodology is based on qualitative and quantitative accomplished with the application of semi-structured questionnaires and semi-open. Different sample groups were part of this research: students, teachers, community in general, rice farmers, fishermen, ceboleiros, municipal administrators and advisory board ICMBio, totaling 1059 individuals interviewed (approximately 9% of the population of Mostardas / RS). The data show that most people have a positive relationship on the conservation of biodiversity in the park. Much sees the park as a place of attraction for tourism and development in the region, but the perception by residents is lack of political interest to promote this sector. Few realize the relationship of conflict between the use of the park with the implications of reducing impact on habitats and ecosystems. This is related to a lack of compensation and resettlement policy for owners within the national park. Moreover, the lack of demarcation of the buffer zone turns out to amplify these conflicts. The evaluation of the effectiveness of management PARNA was another important element to analyze the relationship people and park. With the application of the method RAPPAM was possible to raise management indicators. From these results, there is a pressing practical consolidation of the management plan, contextualizing and bringing people of PNLP. Therefore, providing proper management to the reality of the region to make a more positive image of this conservation unit.