Áreas verdes urbanas e qualidade de vida: percepções dos usuários no Bosque dos Namorados, Natal, RN

Abstract

The green areas of cities, places where there is a predominance of arboreal vegetation, endowed with infrastructure, with aesthetic, ecological and leisure functions, fulfill an important environmental, biodiversity and health promotion function. At the same time, they are spaces that promote well-being and quality of life for residents, stimulating social interactions, leisure practices, sports and recreational activities. Considering the potential benefits of these places to the quality of life, the present study sought to analyze the appropriation and perception of the users of the Bosque dos Namorados-Natal/RN, understanding that the analysis of the way this place is perceived by people can increase the evaluation studies and propose the creation of new green areas. The research methodology adopts the qualitative-quantitative method, through the descriptive and explanatory level, characteristics of case studies, made possible by perception research (Gil, 2008; Alves-Mazzotti, 2006). As for the research techniques used, the following were adopted: integrative systematic review, fieldwork with direct observation, image recording and semi-structured questionnaire. From the reading and analysis of the studies of the systematic review, it was possible to categorize the benefits of green areas in terms of aspects inherent to social factors, the physical environment and fauna and flora. It was observed with the results of the research that the interviewees understand as the main benefit of green areas the proximity to the elements that make up the natural environment, such as living in wooded areas. The experience in these places, attributed to leisure activities, recreation and physical activities, practiced mainly under social interactions, refers to feelings of tranquility, peace and well-being. It was also concluded that although the users are satisfied with the Forest in general, they perceive the infrastructure aspects as deficient, as well as demand the realization of a greater number of events. Even taking into account the importance of green areas in cities, as foreseen in their creation in urban planning plans, it was observed that users are dissatisfied with the green areas arranged in the vicinity of their homes, located mainly in neighborhoods other than the Bosque. Thus, it is important to highlight the need for public policies aimed at leisure to ensure that the population has access to green areas, equipped with adequate infrastructure, with the potential to carry out activities, accessible and close to homes, enabling people's identity with public spaces.