Unidades de conservação do Distrito Federal: avaliação da percepção ambiental em comunidades locais do parque ecológico Asa Sul

Abstract

Environmental perception refers to the interpretation of the surrounding environment. Through it, an individual organizes and interprets their sensory impressions to give meaning to their environment and awareness. There are currently 96 Conservation Units (CU) in the Federal District, including the Asa Sul Ecological Park, located in Brasília. This CU originated in 2001 through popular mobilization to protect the spring, watercourse, lagoon, and remaining vegetation. With increasing urbanization and pressure on natural resources, understanding how local communities perceive and interact with this CU is essential for its effective and sustainable management. The objective of the study was to evaluate environmental perception in local communities and knowledge about this Park. The research used an observational method with a qualitative-quantitative approach, and was carried out after approval by the Research Ethics Committee (CAAE 68262123.3.0000.5515), applying structured questionnaires to collect socioeconomic data and environmental perception indicators. The study's population sample consisted of 82 participants, of both genders and over 18 years of age, whether frequenters or not, dissociating residents within two kilometers of the Park. Data collection addressed environmental perception based on three levels: cognitive, emotional, and action, aiming to diagnose knowledge, importance, and behavior concerning the environment. The results revealed that the indicators of knowledge and importance were higher for non-frequenters, and the behavior indicator was higher for frequenters, both obtaining a medium degree of perception. Statistical analysis indicated that socioeconomic characteristics, such as education and income, significantly influence environmental perception. A gap was observed in knowledge about means of participation in park management, highlighting the need to strengthen environmental education and the dissemination of information about the CU and its participatory management mechanisms. This important information can be used in the management of conservation units and in developing attention to the preservation of natural resources, benefiting everyone in the region. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics between local communities and CUs, providing data to improve public conservation policies in the Federal District. The information obtained can assist in implementing more effective management strategies, promoting community engagement and environmental sustainability. Recommendations include promoting environmental education, strengthening CU Management Councils, and encouraging popular participation in the management and conservation of natural resources to ensure the preservation of the Asa Sul Ecological Park.