Ecological Station of Seridó and its surrounding zone: relations with the community

Abstract

Studying the relations between society and nature is a fundamental aspect to understand the evolutionary dynamics of the environment and society for the time scene of many conflicts. This work aimed to verify relationships that exist between the Ecological Station, located in the municipality of Serra Negra do Norte-RN, and residents in its surrounding zone. For the study, a questionnaire was used with structured and semi-structured questions for the resident population and technical staff of the conservation unit. The interviewees were chosen randomly, in the surrounding zone, rural area. In the analysis of the interviews, basic statistic and content analysis were used, which were grouped into categories of responses. It was possible to perceive that there is an understanding of the population regarding aspects related to the importance and conservation of nature. As for the relationship of the residents with the surrounding zone, the non-existence and the non-knowledge of the residents about this area is identified. Regarding the season, the analysis of the answers reveals that there are administrative problems and also lack of financial and human resources, but good practices have already existed with the residents of the surrounding area, which, together with the current perception of the interviewees, creates a favorable environment to changes that bring development and improvements in the relations of the conservation unit with the population and the environment and vice versa.