A educação ambiental no Parque Municipal Victório Siquierolli: diagnóstico e perspectivas

Abstract

Conservation areas, which limits are fixed within the national boundaries, are established by the federal government, as well as by all states through state and municipal government, to protect relevant ecosystems. Their general purposes include Environmental Education activities, which are undertaken by their respective Environmental Education Centers. The theme concerning these centers is still little debated in Brazil. However, it is a field in Environmental Education that holds a promising future. Depending on its aim, it might have a very distinctive potential. Environmental Education Centers can be established in companies, zoos and aquariums, universities, non-government organizations (NGOs) and conservation areas. The purpose of this work, which has been carried out as diagnostic qualitative research, was to find out the actual situation and future perspectives of an environmental education center established in a city park in Uberlândia, the, Núcleo de Educação Ambiental at Parque Municipal Victório Siquierolli, as well as its potential to develop and undertake environmental education activities. This center has been chosen because it has increasingly become a reference in the city for Environmental Education. Data collection was carried out through documentary analysis, questionnaires, interviews and direct observations. Data analysis was based on the theoretical reference gathered and shows that the center at Siquierolli, though facing some problems, mainly financial ones, is very well structured, establishing itself as an environmental education reference to the city. By analyzing its location, equipment, surroundings and facilities, teaching staff, teaching and policy program as well as sustainable strategies, it possible conclud to that the center s strength lies in the teaching staff, well-qualified and committed to their role. Good management ability is also worth mentioning. The center success has supported the Conservation Area in which it is located and has ensured that the center itself is respected both by the population in general and by those who live in the vicinity.