Contributo da educação ambiental na promoção do turismo sustentável nas áreas de conservação em tempos de pandemia da Covid-19: caso do Parque Nacional de Maputo

Abstract

This study analyzes the contribution of Environmental Education in the promotion of sustainable tourism in the Maputo Special Reserve in times when there is a reduction in the flow of tourists due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The study sought to identify the socio-environmental impacts verified in PNM as a consequence of Covid-19 as well as to present environmental education strategies capable of promoting sustainable tourism at a time when most individuals, even with the relaxation of the pandemic, have lost interest in practicing tourism in conservation areas. To carry out the study, in methodological terms we used a qualitative approach, which from the use of the interview it was possible to verify the perceptions of those involved in relation to the contribution of environmental education in the promotion of sustainable tourism, 13 individuals were involved, having undergone semi-structured interviews and also used literature review and systematic observation, the data were analyzed through a procedure composed of three distinct phase Therefore, with the methodological approaches used, it was possible to verify that environmental education can contribute to the promotion of sustainable tourism through the development and expansion of some strategies such as the identification of the environmental perception of tourists in the area, environmental awareness and the training of educators on environmental issues. It is noted that some of these strategies are already carried out by the Maputo National Park, putting them into practice in the environmental education actions provided for in the environmental education program in school and in the community, but tourists are not involved in these actions. Most participants should be involved in environmental awareness activities in order to ensure good environmental practices and environmental conservation.