Proteger para quê? percepção de estudantes do ensino médio de uma instituição pública de Uruçuí (PI) sobre as unidades de conservação

Abstract

Conservation Units (CUs) are protected areas by law and play a vital role in preserving natural resources. Despite their importance, the topic is rarely addressed in depth in schools, contributing to a lack of awareness of their relevance. This research is relevant due to the need to increase students' understanding of environmental conservation, as CUs are essential for maintaining biodiversity. The study analyzed how high school students at a public school in the municipality of Uruçuí, Piauí, perceive CUs. The research adopted both quantitative and qualitative methodology, using a questionnaire administered to 139 first-year high school students. The data revealed that, although most participants had heard or read about CUs and had a partial understanding of their functions, there are still significant gaps in their knowledge, especially regarding the distinction between the categories of Sustainable Use and Full Protection. Furthermore, it was found that socioeconomic factors hinder students' access to CUs, and that school visits to these sites are infrequent. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of integrating the study of protected areas into the school curriculum. In Uruçuí, it is essential that schools, in partnership with local authorities, promote environmental projects, critical methodologies, and policies that enable students' access to protected areas