Relations of various social actors with marine debris in the municipality of cananeia, SP

Abstract

This research set out to conduct a participatory diagnosis in the municipality of Cananeia, south coast of Sao Paulo-Brazil, of how different groups of adults with direct links to the marine environment (recyclable waste pickers, fishermen, teachers, municipal administrators, traditional regional coastal) view marine debris. Data gathering took place from April 2015 to March 2016 employing techniques appropriate to each group's specificities such as questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis revealed five emergent topics: retrieval of previous activities involving marine debris; resignification of concepts; identification with the marine environment; perception of and responsibility for impacts; and surprises along the way. The conclusions indicate that the development of this research propitiated moments of social learning and deepened understanding of the theme and its complexity, enabling participants to identify themselves as decision makers and active protagonists.