Environmental perception of elementary school students about the Municipal Natural Park of Morros (Santa Maria, RS, Brazil)

Abstract

This study is dedicated to the Conservation Units of Integral Protection, here, specifically, to the category Municipal Natural Park, called "Parque Natural Municipal dos Morros" (PNMM), located in Santa Maria (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil).  The Park is located in an area of geomorphological and phytoecological transition, between the Atlantic Forest and Pampa biomes, with characteristic flora and fauna and endowed with a privileged scenic beauty. The objective of this study was to investigate the environmental perception of students of the Municipal Elementary School Profa. Hylda Vasconcellos on the PNMM, with a view to developing actions to motivate knowledge about space, foster belonging and its conservation, considering that the school is located in the buffer zone of the Park. Data collection was performed through drawings, using the dynamics called "Canvas Painting". As for the perception of students, despite living in the surroundings of the PNMM, most did not know the Conservation Unit or had a partial view about it. With the development of Environmental Education actions, students will have the opportunity to know the PNMM - history, biodiversity, environmental pressures, and will be invited to become "PNMM Guardians".