Local practices and knowledge of the preservation of freshwater resources: the basis for environmental education actions in a preservation area

Abstract

This study aimed to identify practices and knowledge of the freshwater resources in a community located in Vila do Abraão, Ilha Grande, RJ, in order to support Environmental Education actions which could preserve and manage these resources. The methodology was a case study. The results show that local knowledge is fragmented and disconnected, resulting in practices which contribute to increase the anthropic pressure in the environment. In this context, environmental education actions in this community should integrate the local knowledge and emphasize existing sustainable practices in order to preserve and use freshwater efficiently. In addition, these environmental education actions should be able to fulfill gaps in the local knowledge in an attempt to modify the reality.