Percepção ambiental de frequentadores sobre bens e serviços ecossistêmicos ofertados pelo Parque Urbano Linear Rachel de Queiroz (Fortaleza, CE)

Abstract

Environmental perception is understood as the human awareness of the environment, that is, the act of perceiving the environment in which one is situated, learning to protect and care for it. Thus, it is essential to analyze the environmental perception of individuals who interact with green areas and urban parks, considering their individual and collective perceptions to develop environmental education proposals based on local reality. In this context, this study examined the environmental perception of visitors to the Rachel de Queiroz Linear Urban Park in Fortaleza-CE, in order to understand the relationships of use, belonging, and the most frequently mentioned ecosystem services by the interviewees, linking perception to the presence of environmental education in the area. The research conducted was both qualitative and quantitative, with the application of semi-structured forms to 100 park users. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The results indicated that leisure is the primary motivation for users, with "leisure and sports activities" being the most valued cultural ecosystem service. However, more than 90% of respondents reported never having participated in environmental education activities in the park, highlighting the need for improvements in communication and public actions. It is concluded that the environmental perception of users is positive, but it is suggested that more continuous actions and projects in environmental education are needed as a tool for rationalizing the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, fostering conscious individuals and agents of transformation in the local and global socio-environmental reality.