Gestão e uso de parques verdes urbanos como cenários sociais de Proteção Ambiental

Abstract

The Urban Green Parks (UGP) nowadays have a multiple function of protecting the natural environment and the point of contact between human beings and nature, as cities have become increasingly less attractive in terms of environmental quality and life. This paper presents a discussion about the management of UGP, their uses by the population and their contributions as a scenario of environmental protection starting from the following guiding questions: How does the management of these Urban Green Parks develop? What are the main problems faced by these spaces? How do the players perceive and relate these spaces to the framework of environmental protection? The research was developed in two parks of Manaus, the Bosque da Ciência and the Parque do Mindu. It aimed to analyze how the multiple actions of management and social activities in the ambit of the mentioned urban green parks of the city of Manaus - AM and their implications in the construction of the scenario of protection of the nature are developed. The research is qualitative and descriptive and exploratory. Data collection was carried out in October and November of 2013, the participants of the survey were managers (2) and visitors (60) over 18 years old who attended the UGP, being a sample of 30 visitors per park. Among the results obtained, it was verified that the main obstacles to an effective management of UGPs are financial and human. Lack of expected resources and a cadre of employees meeting the demand can become factors that weaken space. Regarding the characterization of space, each park is configured to meet the objectives of its creation, thus being different spaces in what concerns the infrastructure, however, they approach when thinking about their current objectives that is conservation of nature allied to knowledge, environmental education and social interaction. There are varied spatial combinations that provide diverse uses in each of them, and therefore diverse forms of appropriation. It was found that the UGP are spaces of constant socio-environmental interaction, where people usually go with family and friends. This space is often seen by users as an oasis in the middle of the city, where it is possible to breathe fresh air, get in touch with nature and become free. They are also configured as spaces that awaken in the visitor’s feelings of care and protection with nature. It can be concluded that studying the perceptions of the managers and users, may significantly contribute to the UGP’s environment protection, because it allows a holistic view on the parts that constitute and give life to the space. The study also contributed to the discussion about the concept of green areas, the role of population and management for the conservation of these areas, its importance within the urban area and the effects they provide to the population.