Avaliação do enquadramento teórico e prático da educação ambiental na gestão das queimadas na Reserva especial de Maputo

Abstract

This research evaluates the theoretical and practical context of Environmental Education in the management of fires carried out in the Special Reserve of Maputo (REM). The study highlights the prescribed burns and forest fires that occur annually in REM in the winter and summer period. The final objective of this study is to contribute to the development and improvement of the capacity to plan and manage the fires in the REM, as well as to stimulate the theoretical and practical framework of Environmental Education in the processes of management and resolution of environmental problems existing in the conservation areas, specifically in REM. This research is a qualitative field study preceded by an exploratory phase that aimed to provide greater familiarity with the problem under study. Data collection was carried out using (i) Bibliographic research that served as the theoretical basis for the study; (ii) Interview directed to REM managers to deepen the subject under study; and (iii) Observation, which made it possible to see directly the practices and techniques used in the burning management process. In general, it was possible to conclude that, when reflecting on the problem of burning and the effects caused by anthropic actions, the natural environment is the one that has the most damage, above all, the flora and fauna. Thus, it appears that only the prevention techniques adopted in the Conservation Units, specifically in the REM, do not have a strong potential to solve the problem of forest fires in a particular way. To this end, it is necessary to combine management techniques with EE actions to produce desired results and ensure the conservation of natural resources. Because, most of the forest fires are caused by Man, who is motivated by behavioral and cultural factors. However, for the EE actions to have a greater effect, there is a need for greater inclusion of communities residing in REM to encourage their participation in the planning and fires management processes. In this sense, in order to face the increasing environmental degradation caused by fires in the REM, it is recommended the EE strategic framework to guide the activities of fires management with a view to disseminating knowledge, models and pro-environmental behaviors