Environmental interpretation in Turvo State Park: the program 'Where does the jaguar drink water?!' (RS, Brazil)

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential of a digital memory game as a non-personal environmental interpretation tool at Turvo State Park (PET), located in the Atlantic Forest biome in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The objective was to analyze the effectiveness of the digital resource in raising visitor awareness and enhancing knowledge of local biodiversity, with emphasis on the jaguar as a flagship species. In order to integrate these multiple dimensions and strengthen the educational function of public use, a partnership was established between the management of Turvo State Park, the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) through the Protected Areas Study Center (NEAP), and the Association of Park Surrounding Residents (ASACIRS). This interinstitutional arrangement enabled the acquisition of funding from the Fundação O Boticário public call, making possible the implementation of a public use program focused on biodiversity interpretation and the promotion of the jaguar as a key species for environmental awareness. For the development of the game, 12 species from different taxonomic groups were selected based on their ecological relevance and conservation status. Data were collected over eight months, totaling 381 players from 186 municipalities across 16 Brazilian states, with notable participation from Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. The analysis considered the participants' geographic origin, cognitive performance, and scores obtained; only eight players reached the maximum score, while most achieved accuracy rates between 30% and 38%. The results indicate that, despite visitor engagement, there are limitations in prior familiarity with the species, which may be attributed to the limited inclusion of such content in formal educational environments and the low public exposure to threatened fauna in the region. The discussion highlighted the potential of digital games as contemporary environmental education tools capable of fostering engagement, playful learning, and the development of meaningful knowledge related to biodiversity conservation and protected area management. It is concluded that the digital memory game represents a promising tool for environmental interpretation, promoting visitor awareness, territorial connection, and the stimulation of conservation-oriented thinking. The improvement and expansion of similar approaches in other protected areas are recommended as innovative and accessible strategies to strengthen environmental education and nature interpretation practices.