Conservation areas, which limits are fixed within the national boundaries, are established by the federal government, as well as by all states through state and municipal government, to protect relevant ecosystems. Their general purposes include Environmental Education activities, which are undertaken by their respective Environmental Education Centers. The theme concerning these centers is still little debated in Brazil. However, it is a field in Environmental Education that holds a promising future. Depending on its aim, it might have a very distinctive potential. Environmental Education Centers can be established in companies, zoos and aquariums, universities, non-government organizations (NGOs) and conservation areas. The purpose of this work, which has been carried out as diagnostic qualitative research, was to find out the actual situation and future perspectives of an environmental education center established in a city park in Uberlândia, the, Núcleo de Educação Ambiental at Parque Municipal Victório Siquierolli, as well as its potential to develop and undertake environmental education activities. This center has been chosen because it has increasingly become a reference in the city for Environmental Education. Data collection was carried out through documentary analysis, questionnaires, interviews and direct observations. Data analysis was based on the theoretical reference gathered and shows that the center at Siquierolli, though facing some problems, mainly financial ones, is very well structured, establishing itself as an environmental education reference to the city. By analyzing its location, equipment, surroundings and facilities, teaching staff, teaching and policy program as well as sustainable strategies, it possible conclud to that the center s strength lies in the teaching staff, well-qualified and committed to their role. Good management ability is also worth mentioning. The center success has supported the Conservation Area in which it is located and has ensured that the center itself is respected both by the population in general and by those who live in the vicinity. / As Unidades de Conservação (UCs) são áreas delimitadas do território nacional, instituídas pelo Governo Federal, bem como pelas unidades da federação, por meio dos respectivos governos estaduais e municipais, para a proteção de ecossistemas significativos, tendo entre os seus objetivos gerais a condução de atividades de Educação Ambiental (EA), que se concretiza através de seus respectivos Centros de Educação Ambiental (CEAS). O tema referente aos CEAs no Brasil ainda é pouco discutido, no entanto, trata-se de um espaço dentro da EA que apresenta um futuro promissor. Sua potencialidade de atuação pode ser bastante distinta, dependendo da sua finalidade. Os CEAs podem estar organizados em Empresas, Zoológicos e Aquários, Universidades, Ongs e Unidades de Conservação e apresentarem diversas denominações dentre as quais, Núcleos de Educação Ambiental (NEA). O objetivo desta pesquisa, que foi conduzida dentro dos domínios da pesquisa qualitativa, na modalidade Pesquisa Diagnóstico-Avaliativa foi conhecer a realidade e as perspectivas do NEA do Parque Municipal Victório Siquierolli da cidade de Uberlândia e analisar suas potencialidades para o desenvolvimento de atividades de EA. A escolha desse espaço se deu em função do mesmo estar se tornado uma referência na cidade para a EA. A coleta de dados foi viabilizada a partir de análise documental, questionários, entrevistas e observações diretas. Os dados analisados conforme o referencial teórico construído mostrou que o NEA do Siquierolli, embora enfrente alguns problemas principalmente de ordem financeira e de insuficiência de recursos humanos, está muito bem estruturado, consolidando-se como referencial para a EA na cidade. Analisado conforme as dimensões: Espaço Físico, Equipamentos, Entorno e Sede; Equipe Pedagógica; Plano Político Pedagógico e Estratégias de Sustentabilidade, concluiu-se que seu ponto forte é a Equipe Pedagógica, bastante qualificada e identificada com o que faz. A salientar também a competência administrativa. O sucesso do núcleo tem garantido a Unidade de Conservação, onde o mesmo se instala, grande respeitabilidade da população em geral, e em especial da população do entorno. / Mestre em Ecologia e Conservação de Recursos Naturais

9/67 Abstract My thesis deals with human alienation from nature. The theoretical section aims to answer what is nature and relationship to nature. It also describes how the relationship developed between man and nature. Neglected to stay or work in human nature - recreation and gardening settlements. The thesis also focuses on the children and nature around them. Besides, my study is searching for links within school eco- center and framework of educational programme for elementary education. There occur attempts to look for the causes and consequences of running away from nature. Furthermore, the answer to delay human alienation from nature is being looked around. A self-made research determines what types of environments the pupils in the fifth grade of elementary schools in Brandys nad Labem - Stara Boleslav use and spend their leisure time there. Whether the town Brandys nad Labem - Stara Boleslav offers to students natural space witch students may use for their relaxation and doing sports. The thesis is studying whom pupils spend their leisure time outside with and who is their partner or guide. Keywords Nature, relationship to nature, gardening settlements, environmental education center, eco-centers, teaching in the school garden, environmental education, framework of educational programme for...