A percepção ambiental dos participantes da Travessia das Cordilheiras como ferramenta de educação e conservação ambiental

Abstract

Long-distance hikes provide an immersive experience in natural environments, allowing participants recognize the importance of natural and cultural heritage, which must be protected. In this context, the main objective of this research is to investigate the participants' perception of the environmental conservation and the achievement of environmental education objectives during the Travessia das Cordilheiras (Crossing of the Mountain Ranges) experience. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, aiming to profile the participants and understand their environmental perception, through bibliographic and documentary research, as well as field research for applying a survey questionnaire. The study revealed that the participant profile is predominantly adult, male, with higher education and solid experience in mountaineering activities, with the age group of 35 to 44 years standing out, earning between three to five minimum wages, and having a heightened awareness of sustainability. It is concluded that the Travessia das Cordilheiras has great potential as a tool for environmental education and conservation of natural areas, although there are still various actions to be implemented to optimize this process and make it more effective.