ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION OF THE RESIDENTS REGARDING THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF GOIÁS AS A GREEN AREA, IN QUIRINÓPOLIS, GOIÁS, BRAZIL

Abstract

In Environmental Perception is the understanding of how much and how the individual interacts, what he expects and how he uses his environment. Differences in perceptions of natural environments, their values and importance impact the protection of these environments. In this area, this research aimed to evaluate the Environmental Perception of the residents of the surroundings of the Botanical Garden of the State University of Goiás (JB) as a Green Area, in Quirinópolis, Goiás. Interviews were conducted with the residents located in front of JB, using a questionnaire with open questions. The data resulting from the interviews were compiled, transcribed and analyzed by the R program with the use of free statistical packages through the word cloud. The results of the residents' environmental perception corroborate the advantages of living close to a Green Area, including the beautification of the place, the improvement in the ambient temperature conditions, the economic appreciation of the residential property, the possibility of practicing sports and leisure in contact with nature, which increases the feeling of peace,  tranquility and well-being. The construction of the garden on the sidewalk of JB by them expanded the bond of belonging and appreciation for this Green Area. This fact is essential to ensure the perpetuation of the ecosystem functions and services provided by this natural environment in the urban environment of Quirinópolis.