Public utility study and environmental analysis of tracks at a sustainable conservation unit: Ipanema National Forest in Ipero-SP

Abstract

This work aimed to study public use of eco-tourism tracks of the National Forest of Ipanema. Thus, 112 visitors were interviewed to verify their social and cultural life profile as well as expectations related to the tracks. Environmental changes in the tracks caused by tourists' walking environmental monitor actins were also checked. The interviews revealed that most visitors were young people from good cultural and economic level of life, originally from protected neighbourhoods, looking forward to a contact with nature and concerned about quality environmental protection. It was also verified that the environmental monitors did their job very well and the tracks were in a good state of conservation. Public use of the tracks was not satisfactory. It was concluded that a better Flora Ipanema management could provide better environmental and leisure services to the regional community.