Environmental perception of the population of Lapa – Paraná, Brazil regarding Monge State Park

Abstract

Studies of environmental perception contribute to a more rational use of natural resources. Such studies are important for a better understanding of the interaction between man and the environment, and one of the greatest difficulties in protecting ecosystems is the existence of different perceptions of their value and importance among individuals from different cultures. The present study aimed to characterize environmental perception of the population of the city of Lapa regarding the Monge State Park, through the application of questionnaires. The results showed that 63.27% of those interviewed did not know what a conservation unit is. Although the municipality has four conservation units, 69.39% are unaware of the existence of such areas in the city. Regarding Monge Park, 48% of respondents stated that they did not know what the park`s objective was, and among the 52% who answered that they knew the park`s purpose, 22% said that this conservation unit had tourism as its only purpose in the city. Data obtained shows poor understanding of the population on issues related to conservation units and the Monge State Park.