IMPORTÂNCIA DE ÁREAS VERDES URBANAS: O CASO DO PARQUE ECOLÓGICO JATOBÁ CENTENÁRIO

Abstract

Urban ecological parks perform several functions in cities, being related to environmental management, urban expansion, landscape configurations and quality control in the life of the population. The Jatobá Centenário Ecological Park (PEJC), located on the outskirts of the city of Morrinhos, in the southern region of the state of Goiás, presents both the remaining exotic vegetation of the Atlantic Forest and the vegetation of the Cerrado. Environmental education programs in this area are extremely important for preservation and conservation since undue human actions pose a great threat to the Park's existence. The present work consisted of a bibliographic survey on urban green areas, urban parks and PEJC, chosen for a case study. This study sought to evaluate the benefits and attributes of the PEJC that justify its preservation, conservation and the development of Environmental Education (EA) practices. Based on the observations and the bibliographic survey, methodologies were developed for the realization of EA in the PEJC and suggestions for improving those that already exist. It was found that the Park provides aesthetic, ecological, economic and socio-cultural values that are directly linked to improving the quality of life of citizens in Morrinhenses and, therefore, justify its existence and protection. In view of its potential for EA, methodologies were developed for the development of EA in the PEJC and suggestions for improving those that already exist. A map of ecological trails with their main attractions was created and strategies were suggested for creating dolls representative of the local fauna, using the plant nursery to teach about the life cycle of vegetables, expanding the butterfly garden, creating ecological dumps, restoration of the ecological worm farm and the insect hotel and the development of an environmental contest. Finally, we can conclude that the PEJC is a genetic reserve of paramount importance for society and for the city of Morrinhos, due to its social, ecological, scientific and educational value.