State Park of Serra do Mar (SP), local populations and cultural ecosystem services

Parque Estatal Serra do Mar (SP), poblaciones locales y servicios ecosistémicos culturales

Abstract

This study seeks to comprehend the characteristics of connections/relationships established by the communities of Catuçaba (São Luiz do Paraitinga) and Vargem Grande (Natividade da Serra) with the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar (State Park whose acronym in Portuguese is PESM) - Núcleo Santa Virgínia, in order to shed light more accurately on the perceived contributions provided by said protected area to the health and well-being of its inhabitants. The study, of a qualitative nature, involved a bibliographic survey and documentary research, as well as interviews with the manager of PESM and residents of both communities. The results indicate that many of the interviewees recognize that the park offers various ecosystem services, although none admitted visiting the park frequently, especially in view of protocols involving the need to book their visits, the requirement of a guide present on most of the trails, all of which reinforce the chasm separating the area and the locals, compromising traditional leisure practices of the communities and their perceptions about the benefits of the protected areas for health and well-being.

Keywords:
Parks; local communities; health; well-being; cultural ecosystem services