Abstract:

National Parks (PN) in Brazil is part of an important conservation unit (UC) of life in its natural state, despite the country being one of the most important biodiversity strongholds of the planet. The disorderly urban growth and the perverse occupation of huge territories for monoculture in the last decades have contributed to avoiding the coexistence of the younger generations with the natural ecosystems. In this sense, PNs have assumed an important role both in the conservation of natural species and environments and in promoting the rapprochement of the present populations in the contact with nature. Ecotourism, understood as "responsible travel to natural areas, aiming at preserving the environment and promoting the well-being of the local population" has been one of the ways to make this important task of PN possible. As well as, promote through its natural structures and host Environmental Education of the surrounding populations and visitors. Based on this premise, this research investigated the profile, motives, and perspectives of visitors in a PN located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and possible limitations and contributions to the formation of environmental awareness. The field research was conducted through structured interviews with 62 visitors from the main headquarters of a PN that offers a host structure, ecological diversity and historical importance of enormous significance for the country, in January 2019, summer period and school vacations.

The analysis of the data indicates that the female profile predominates (63%), being almost 70% above 30 years. 50% are residents of neighborhoods around the headquarters of the NP, which during the season (vacations and summer) assiduously attend the park. It was also found that, due to the location of the park, another significant part of the interviewees (40%) were from nearby cities or belonging to the state of Rio de Janeiro. Regarding the occupation, 40% were professionals of the higher level, especially teachers and 16% were students. The cash expense within the PN is generally up to US$ 8. Mainly with ticket, food, and parking. The majority of visitors (56%) were in pairs or trios. Those who came from other cities or state, stay in the region is 2 to 5 days. 76% reported that they like and frequent places with natural areas. Leisure was cited by 80% of the interviewees as to the reason for the visit to the city where the PN is located and only 14% cited tourism. However, regarding the reason for visiting PN, tourism, and ecotourism totals almost 60%. Contact with "natural resources" is what stands out most in respondents' responses. However, the presence of the host structure of the PN headquarters, such as the natural pool, restaurant, trails, parking, among others was also highlighted in the responses as an element of visitation. Concerning suggestions for improvement of PN, 70% of the respondents highlight needs in the host structure, which highlight the issue of signs in general and the trails and reception activities with informational and educational material. In summary, the data indicate the profile of visitation in PN in the mentioned period, but it is evidenced the importance attributed to this space in particular to the surrounding communities. There are indications of the lack of structure for the reception, especially for the work of ecotourism and environmental education.

Keywords:

Natural areas, qualitative research, visitors profile, conservation units.