Cultural ecosystem services: strategies for valuing cultural heritage in Cunhambebe State Park (RJ, Brazil)

Abstract

The provision of cultural ecosystem services in protected areas is essential to promote public awareness and nature conservation. In Brazil there are only a few studies on the subject. This article aims to present the strategies for valuing cultural heritage adopted in the environmental education of activities at Cunhambebe State Park between 2013 and 2021. To that end a qualitative approach has been adopted, with methodology based on content analysis. The investigation involved the analysis of 22 reports of environmental actions and interviews with 2 park rangers from the protected area. The investigation identified seven strategies promoted in environmental education actions and composing the park’s cultural ecosystem services, namely: interpretive trails (Curumim and Ruins); the Sahy ruins; the Pedra da Conquista or Banquete narrative; community participation in the Indian Program; dialogue with indigenous communities; events with quilombola communities; and meetings with religious groups of African-based religions. Results show progress towards the implementation of cultural ecosystem services guidelines in the park At the end we make suggestions for improving environmental actions and strategies for valuing the cultural heritage in this Protected Area.