O "eu" e o verde: percepções sobre a natureza e a biodiversidade na área urbana do município de Belém-PA

Abstract

Green areas play a crucial role in human well-being, offering spaces for relaxation and connection with nature. In addition to promoting mental and emotional health, they provide environments conducive to physical activities and social interactions, contributing to an improved quality of life in urban areas. In this study, a series of interviews were conducted with pedestrians in Belém, aiming to investigate the interactions between socio-environmental factors and human well-being within the urban context. The scope of the investigation focused on analyzing the perceptions of urban residents regarding green areas and examining how such perceptions influence individuals' well-being and their connections with local biodiversity. The underlying hypothesis subjected to analysis asserts that positive interactions with green areas are associated with an increase in the level of human well-being and, consequently, a greater valuation and conservation of these spaces. The analysis of the results revealed that perceptions of green areas may sometimes diverge from the environmental reality; however, the interviewed individuals frequently shared feelings of proximity and benefits within the urban context. Notably, plants with dietary and medicinal utilities played a prominent role in promoting health. Additionally, positive attitudes towards fauna were common in well-preserved green areas. Conversely, negative perceptions were often linked to a lack of knowledge about proper management practices and deficiencies in maintaining natural environments. The analysis of pedestrians' responses in Belém highlights the discrepancy between perception and the reality of the green environment, while underscoring the affinity and perceived biodiversity benefits in the urban context.