<b>Society’s participation in the management of conservation units and its effects on the improvement of environmental quality in the southeastern region of Mato Grosso do Sul State</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascihumansoc.v32i2.6761

Abstract

Since the approval of Decree no. 4.340/2002 on the The National System of Conservation Units, several councils have been established with the participation of civil society throughout Brazil. The southeastern region of Mato Grosso do Sul comprises the “State Park of the River Ivinhema Margins” a total conservation and protection unit and an environmental protection area (EPA) of the Iguatemi river basin, a sustainable conservation unit comprising nine municipalities. The Park has a Management Council and EPA has municipal councils which are all involved in the areas management. Current research analyzed questionnaires forwarded to the 141 council members, coupled to information on the knowledge, environmental perception and level of the advisors participation. Data were also taken on the advisors profile and on their decisions recorded in minutes of meetings. Results show limited knowledge of environmental legislation and a general perception that deficient inspections undertaken by public agencies are responsible for environmental degradation. No possibility of a joint action between government and society has been taken into consideration for the establishment of a new efficient and efficacious participation process. Although deficiencies existed, environmental gains were detected in the Council’s decisions.