Percepção ambiental e qualidade de vida dos moradores do entorno da cachoeira de Ouricuri/PB

Abstract

The environment is seen as a resource to be used and, as such, must be analyzed and protected, according to its different conditions, in an attitude of respect, conservation and preservation. Brazil is considered a country abundant in environmental resources, fresh water is one of them. Although this has generated an idea that it is something infinite and that it is not necessary to invest in its use, ended up taking the culture of uncontrolled and irrational use. An important water resource that needs conservation means are the Brazilian waterfalls, especially the Ouricuri Waterfall, found in the city of Pilões, in the State of Paraíba. The study in question aims to analyze the environmental perception and quality of life of 20 families that live around this waterfall, as well as to verify the existing local pollution. The research was conducted with 90 residents aged 18 and over. The type of research was qualitative and quantitative with the application of Whoqol-bref questionnaires and the Environmental Concerns scale and a semi- structured interview, as well as informal conversations with the residents. The research lasted from March to September 2017. Content analysis was used, categorization of responses, and a correlation analysis of the quantitative results for the evaluation of interview data and questionnaires. With the analysis of the collected data, it was verified that the residents have a good quality of life index, with the following values of the scale factors for men: QUAL. (M = 3.63 SD = 0.62), PHYSICAL. (M = 3.66 SD = 0.39), PSICO. (M = 3.18 SD = 0.37), SOCIAL. (M = 3.78 SD = 0.45) and AMB. (M =3.63 SD = 0.36), for women: WHICH. (M = 3.70 SD = 0.63), PHYSICAL. (M = 3.69 SD = 0.33), PSICO. (M = 3.17 SD = 0.36), SOCIAL. (M = 3.72 SD = 0.43) and AMB. (M = 3.63 SD = 0.37), in addition to an environmental perception that makes them see the need for urgent conservation of the main water resource that they have: Ouricuri Waterfall. It was also perceived that this good quality of life to the constant interaction with the local fauna and flora, which generates positive direct and indirect effects on the physical and psychological health of these people with the values for EPA for men: BIO. (M = 3.84 SD = 1.38), EGO. (M = 4.02 SD = 1.38) and ALTR (M = 3.89 SD = 1.35) and for women: BIO. (M = 4.48 SD = 1.44), EGO. (M = 4.68DP = 1.52) and ALTR (M = 4.61DP = 1.48). Many have demonstrated the certainty of the need for waterfall conservation and after this research, they seek means and proposals mainly from the government, so that this environment generates income with the implementation of activities of Environmental Education and Ecotourism and that sustains in a sustainable way for the future generations.