Monitoria Ambiental e suas contribuições na manutenção e gestão dos parques estaduais Caverna do Diabo, Ilha do Cardoso, Intervales e Turístico do Alto Ribeira - Vale do Ribeira - SP

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the performance of the activity of environmental monitoring, including positive aspects and weaknesses, professional relationships and dimensions of the performance in the participative management of natural protected areas (UCs) and local societies, It was set in the Vale do Ribeira region, to the south of the state of São Paulo, which houses extensive areas of Atlantic Forest, largely protected by UCs, in addition to the cultural diversity present in these territories. The activities of environmental monitoring are strongly highlighted in the region, mainly in the visitation centers in UCs. For this study, the state parks Caverna do Diabo, Ilha do Cardoso, Intervales and Turístico do Alto Ribeira were selected, which concentrate the largest number of active and trained environmental monitors in the region, and can be considered as territories that induce ecotourism. It is an exploratory research, involving bibliographic surveys and data collection, through the application of questionnaires directed to environmental monitors, managers and former UC managers. Through the crossing and analysis of data, the research brought unprecedented results, demonstrating different levels of performance of environmental monitors in the collaboration and participatory management of the investigated state parks. This performance goes beyond the activity of conducting groups, highlighting their role as multiplying agents and disseminators of environmental education and the representation of the Conservation Unit's identity with the public, since they constitute the link between visitors, parks and the community. Also highlighted is the collaboration and participation of the monitors in studies and research projects and active participation in the day-to-day management of the UCs, by working with the advisory councils and participating in debates related to public policies related to the parks and municipalities involved.