ENVIRONMENTAL DIAGNOSIS OF A MUNICIPAL NATURAL PARK AS A TOOL FOR PUBLIC DECISION MAKING
Dom Nivaldo Monte City Park, Ecosystem Services, Anthropic Impacts, DPSIR Model, Environmental Conservation.
he environmental diagnosis, carried out through the identification of ecosystem services and anthropogenic impacts in the Dom Nivaldo Monte City Park, revealed the importance of this Conservation Unit as a vital provider of climate regulation through its vegetation, which acts to reduce urban heat and sequester carbon, thus promoting air quality for its visitors and the local population. In addition, the research emphasized the importance of the Park as a biodiverse ecosystem, essential for environmental stability, by promoting pollination, pest control and nutrient
cycling, as well as serving as a refuge for native species, playing a crucial role in the conservation of regional fauna and flora. Another aspect that stands out is the park's relevance as a leisure and entertainment space, providing hiking trails and green spaces for outdoor activities. These opportunities not only promote physical and mental health, but also offer therapeutic and educational benefits, stimulating awareness of the importance of environmental conservation. In addition, the research highlighted the park's role as a facilitator of the connection between people and nature, encouraging direct contact with natural environments, either through the appreciation
of natural beauty and the development of a sense of belonging, or by stimulating environmental responsibility. Understanding these services has made it possible to implement actions and policies aimed at protecting the natural resources present in the park, as well as promoting environmental education and making the population aware of the importance of preserving them. In addition, the application of sustainability indicators is essential for monitoring and measuring the environmental impacts in the park, and the DPSIR model was used to verify the results of anthropic actions, highlighting various driving forces, such as leisure, scientific research, environmental education and cultural events, with implications for the conservation and sustainable management of the park. Finally, the research highlights challenges, such as the increase in human traffic, and the importance of effective management, supervision and continuous monitoring measures to guarantee the sustainability and preservation of this valuable environmental asset, as mentioned in the Management Plan.