URBAN PARK: ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION IN THE CONSERVATION UNIT OF PARQUE DA JAQUEIRA, RECIFE-PERNAMBUCO

Abstract

A socio-environmental problem has demonstrated the importance of protection actions in nature, which considers society as part of the planning and management process, being the National System of Conservation Units, an important tool for implementing actions. Urban Parks created for the protected natural space, generally available for carrying out various activities that contribute to people's well-being. This current study aimed to analyze the socio-environmental perception of visitors to Parque da Jaqueira in the city of Recife, Pernambuco. Through a qualitative approach, 70 semi-structured questions were applied and the data were categorized according to the content analysis methodology. The interviewees are between 18 and 64 years old, where as 74.3% have heard about protected areas and described it as a space with natural elements without human interference that must be protected. Thus, 47.8% reported
not knowing that the Park is a protected area with infrastructure and activities carried out in the Park were identified as the main attractions. Nevertheless, despite the different meanings presented for protected areas and nature, it is understood the importance of protection and the influence on the population's quality of life and preservation of the environment.