Environmental perception on the urban afforestation in the Santa Teresa Neighborhood, Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract

In the last decades, the world population began to concentrate in urban centers, causing the cities grew and there was withdrawal of native species for the occupation of places. To evaluate the problems caused by urbanization is necessary to include vegetation as an indispensable factor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of residents of Santa Tereza neighborhood in relation to the local afforestation. The methodology used to carry out the present study was based on structured interviews with open and closed questions, performed by probabilistic sampling. The results indicated that residents have a good environmental perception knowing identify benefits and disadvantages and they recognizing the importance of afforestation. However, they do not have adequate knowledge about who would be responsible for making planting and maintenance. Through this research, it was noticed that the citizens are available to support laws and contribute to urban forestry. We conclude with this, the need for development of awareness and environmental education programs for the population, as well as the formulation of public policies focused on urban forestry.