Conservar para quem? Conflitos sociais originários do uso de recursos naturais em unidades de conservação. Estudo de caso: Estação Ecológica de Jataí, Luiz Antonio, SP.

Abstract

The main objetive of this research is to identify and anyze social conflits caused by the use of natural resources in a preservation area of restricted use. Interviews were done with a sample of six participants, who interact in the studied area . they are Doctor and Professors from the PPGERN-UFSCar (Departament of Post-Graduate Studies in Ecology and Natural Resources, Federal University of São Carlos). These Professors were chosen because they lead reseach done at the Ecological Station of Jataí (EEJ), located in the city of Luiz Antonio, SP. The interviews were prepared in order to make possible an investigation into what perceptions these professors have about the interaction of the different social agents who frequent the EEJ: public officials, businessman, landowners, residents of long standing, teachers from the city and region, fishermen and hunters. The interviews and the existing research compensated for the absence of field work with the other social agents, since there were not financial resources to do it. The analysis was orientated by different points of view found in the existing literature, by the researcher s experience in previos studies and by the especific literature, and based on this analysis, proposals were postulated. We hope to be contributing with this dialogue among these agents, to soften the environmental impact suffered by the EEJ. The bibliographic research confirms that the data created in this case is not an exception, but that there are several other registered conflicts over the use of natural resources in other Brazilian preservation areas. Many of the interactions described in this study suggest competition for acess to the EEJ. The agents analyzed would have less conflicts with the implementation of some measures to add responsibilities in order to protect this preservation area, considering not only its ecological qualities, but also its historic and social elements, tahat are more important to the members of the local community. These actions may appear through a plan of management. As this management plan has still not been created, we hope this research can contribute to its foundation.