Exploratory and sustainable uses of nature around the Serra do Itajaí National Park in Indaial-SC

Abstract

The study deals with the relationships between society and nature in order to understand the exploratory and sustainable uses of nature in the communities located in the buffer zone and surroundings of the Serra do Itajaí National Park (PNSI), more specifically in the municipality of Indaial. The objective of the research is to investigate the history of the uses of nature before and after the creation of the PNSI in 2004. It is an exploratory research with historical character using regional bibliography, and the collection of transcriptions and interviews made by the research group. The identification of sustainable use initiatives in the communities consisted in the application of questionnaires with local enterpreneurs. The field activity includes the observation of the landscape to identify the process of occupation and use of natural resources. Until the 1980s, community development was basically associated with agriculture and logging. Since 1990, environmental laws have prohibited the exploitation of the rainforest and have put an end to a long period of intense exploitation. The PNSI comes to consolidate for protection of biodiversity and water resources in the region, and this fact favors the conservation of the area and fosters the development of leisure activities in the park.

Keywords: Serra do Itajaí National Park. Around communities. Indaial. Exploratory use. Sustainable Development.