IMPACTS ON THE TRAILS IN THE TIJUCA NATIONAL PARK AND THE ROLE OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL

Abstract

When people go through trails, they can create a positive relationship of integration with nature, but cause impacts on the environment. This study aimed to understand the perceptions of visitors and Physical Education professionals on the Pedra da Gávea and Pedra Bonita trails, in the Tijuca National Park. A mixed methodology was used with questionnaires for hikers and semi-structured interviews for professionals. In the quantitative approach, the study informs about the profile, behaviors and perceptions of practitioners. The qualitative approach asks trail guides trained in Physical Education and Tourism about sustainable development, assessments of trail conditions, impacts, the physical conditioning of practitioners, media and commercial action. The study showed that not all people have access to the Park Rules and Regulations. Among the objectives of the participants are contact with nature and being able to take pictures to post on social networks. There is a great deal of commercial and media exploitation on the trails without concern for the conservation of the environment. There is the presence of garbage and lack of signage. Regarding the positive aspects, sustainable actions of a cultural nature carried out on the trails, environmental preservation, human, social and economic development were listed. The importance of the Physical Education professional was highlighted, pointing to a new market niche that has been forming in the area, especially when this professional acts as a teacher in favor of an ethical environmental commitment.