The research reported in this thesis focussed on exploring existing indigenous environmental knowledge of two indigenous communities in Papua New Guinea and how this knowledge was acquired, interpreted and disseminated to the next generation. The relevance of indigenous environmental knowledge in the promotion of biodiversity conservation efforts was investigated. This research was conducted within an interpretive paradigm. A naturalistic/ethnographic methodology was used. Data was collected through semi structured interviews and observations. Participants in this case study were representatives of the community and included elders, adults, teachers and students. The findings in this study revealed indigenous environmental knowledge as useful for biodiversity conservation and promotes sustainable practices. It showed that indigenous family knowledge is essential for claiming land inheritance and indigenous environmental practices are consistent with sustainable practices and land use. Forest knowledge is found to be useful in identifying and locating resources and that sustainable practices ensured continuity of these resources. The study also identified spiritual knowledge and beliefs as fundamental for developing indigenous worldviews and environmental attitudes and values and that change in resource use may be both beneficial and harmful to biodiversity. The findings also revealed indigenous education as flexible, holistic and informal in nature and uses mostly oral history through verbal instruction and various non-verbal means. They showed that IE uses a variety of teaching and learning approaches that utilise the environment as a tool and that learning venues provide a realistic learning experience. The thesis concludes that IEK promotes biodiversity conservation in many ways and that indigenous education uses situated context to promote realistic learning. Indigenous environmental knowledge and education could therefore be used in biodiversity conservation education.

Based on the importance of implementing effective environmental education has been asserted to a sustainable solution to the environmental problems, this study aimed to (1) investigate the pre-service science teachers&rsquo / processes of construction of explanations regarding environmental problems, and (2) provide an environment for researchers to understand the dispositions of participants in terms of how using environmental explanations for answering the questions. The research has been realized within the context of an elective course titled &ldquo / Laboratory applications in environmental education&rdquo / in the Department of Elementary Education throughout 2008-2009 Spring semesters. The 21 pre-service science teachers attended the course and participated the environmental learning activities including five different environmental problems / biological diversity, surface waters, drinking water, waste water and air pollution with in a small group. Field trip activities, group discussions and whole class discussions were conducted through the course. Data were collected through audio and video recorders from one small group and through pre, post-tests. Analyses of data revealed that pre-service science teachers could not aware of the complex and multidisciplinary nature of environmental knowledge, so they mostly interpreted environmental problems through the everyday knowledge that they derived from everyday experiences. Through peer collaboration in fields and student-facilitator collaboration in discussions weeks, the pre-service science teachers have a chance to analyze different perspectives and ideologies about the causes and solutions of environmental problems. The pre-tests and post-test results revealed that in the field-based collaborative inquiry activities the participants&rsquo / nature of explanations shifted from descriptive to formal and scientific explanations.

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Over the past two decades, developing countries have recognized the economic value of attractive marine resources and the need to actively protect these resources. Many of these conservation projects rely on limiting extractive activities to protect habitats, which restricts local livelihoods, and promoting marine resource-based tourism to provide financing for conservation. Using a political ecology framework, this dissertation investigates two connected aspects of tourism and conservation: tourists' seafood consumption and the Go Blue Central America, a geotourism project initiated by National Geographic. It also explains the value of considering the local environmental knowledge of a diverse group of resource users, with a specific focus on professional scuba divers. Given the importance of scuba diving as an activity and tourism attractor on Utila, professional scuba divers on the island are well-positioned to serve as a source of environmental knowledge data on Utila's dive sites, including on their condition, species sightings, and changes over time. This knowledge is not without its problems as it may lead to conceptions of local participation that fail to include those actually from the community of concern. Thus, this dissertation calls attention to the possibilities of using divers' environmental knowledge in conservation and environmental management while also remaining attuned to the potential complications that may arise from doing so. Ultimately, this dissertation calls for the development of additional tourism alternatives and more comprehensive tourism planning and management which includes the potential for damage done by nonextractive resource users. For Utila, this will entail altering existing business practices to increase local ownership, shifting away from backpacker and budget oriented tourism toward a more expensive product, and involving more of the local community in the decision-making processes which affect tourism and the environment.

Millions of people rely upon the Ganges River as a source of water provision and a site of disposal for sewage, solid waste, agricultural runoff and industrial effluent. The river is also a goddess in the Hindu pantheon who is worshipped for her purificatory powers, despite water quality levels that fall far short of standards for use in bathing, washing, and drinking. In recent years, a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have formed to oppose both pollution of the river and the failure of state-run pollution abatement programs. They are joined by an increasingly frequent number of seemingly spontaneous protests held during the large Kumbh Mela festival gatherings at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Led by priests, sadhus and religious leaders, these protestors refuse to participate in the ritual bathing that is central to river worship until local and state officials take action to improve water quality at the site. These events indicate that the politics surrounding pollution abatement in the Ganges River Basin (GRB) are changing and that civil society organizations are struggling to gain greater representation and influence in the processes that shape pollution abatement and water use management in the GRB. This dissertation investigates the growing debate around pollution and pollution abatement in the Ganges River Basin and interprets the struggle over pollution abatement and river water management as a struggle over meaning in which various groups attempt to influence the context and context of local environmental knowledge(s). The research compares abatement efforts, civil society activity, and the "pollution knowledge" and water use practices of water users in three urban centers in the central GRB. An analysis of archival data, policy documents, a survey of water users, and interviews with government officials, NGO leaders and members, and other local scientists and activists conducted during fieldwork in 2008 and 2009. Discussion centers on the meta-discursive productions surrounding public participation and popular "awareness" as precursors to public participation in decisionmaking and policy-making processes. Findings indicate that water users in the GRB are well aware of pollution in the river and that many users exhibit a degree of cognitive dissonance in their pollution knowledge, indicating that a disconnection may exist between the knowledge that guides opinion and the knowledge that guides water use activity. Anti-pollution social movement organizations are found to employ methods and tactics that reflect local contexts of environmental degradation and pollution production, but which ultimately aim to reproduce broads shifts in the ideas, values, and power relations associated with water quality and water use in the Basin. Discussion considers the politics of upstream/downstream relations in shaping pollution abatement measures and the occurrence of "missing movements", or the absence of anti-pollution civil society activity. Research findings contribute to literature on the role of environmental knowledge in shaping the “politics of meaning” around which ideological struggles over natural resource use, access, and conservation are waged.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / Este trabalho tem por objetivo compreender como ocorre a constituiÃÃo de saberes ambientais em movimentos pela revitalizaÃÃo de lagoas em Fortaleza, identificando a relaÃÃo entre suas demandas e a constituiÃÃo de saberes populares em torno da questÃo ambiental, com o fim de estimular uma prÃxis coletiva. A orientaÃÃo teÃrico-metodolÃgica està na leitura de mundo histÃrico-dialÃtica, associada a uma Ãnfase na relaÃÃo, propiciada pela Perspectiva Eco-Relacional (PER). Trata-se de uma Pesquisa Participante, que se beneficiou do uso das seguintes tÃcnicas: observaÃÃo participante, por meio da interaÃÃo contÃnua da pesquisadora com seus (suas) colaboradores (as); entrevistas semi-estruturadas, baseadas em roteiro com questÃes abertas e tÃpicos, enfocando o histÃrico de atuaÃÃo dos (as) autores (as) nos movimentos e sua percepÃÃo sobre os saberes tecidos e as dinÃmicas populares e ambientais; grupo focal, para a obtenÃÃo de elementos sobre os saberes ambientais e propiciar a interaÃÃo entre dois grupos populares distintos. Esta pesquisa à referenciada por uma proposta de EducaÃÃo Ambiental crÃtica e dialÃgica na tematizaÃÃo da constituiÃÃo, vivÃncia e corporificaÃÃo de saberes ambientais no cotidiano popular. Os resultados expressam-se em trÃs categorias fundamentais identificadas como mediaÃÃes que propiciam a tessitura de saberes nos referidos grupos populares. Estas categorias sÃo: as relaÃÃes sociais que constituem os movimentos populares e, ao mesmo tempo, sÃo por estes estabelecidas: o prÃprio movimento; e os referenciais da formaÃÃo de seus (suas) autores (as) sociais. Na vivÃncia e nas falas dos (as) interlocutores (as) identificam-se saberes e valores relacionados: ao respeito, à compreensÃo de ambiente, à responsabilidade planetÃria, à complexidade, à leitura crÃtica da realidade, à burocracia ambiental, à importÃncia do coletivo, Ãs dinÃmicas dos movimentos e à auto-percepÃÃo. Conclui-se que do entrelaÃamento entre diferentes mediaÃÃes, identifica-se a tessitura de saberes enriquecedores da prÃxis individual e coletiva. As relaÃÃes estabelecidas no interior dos grupos impulsionam o reconhecimento do (a) outro (a), seja nos limites postos por este (a) ou na potencializaÃÃo dos aprendizados, ao confrontar sua realidade com outras. Hà ainda a necessidade de uma reflexÃo e vivÃncia maior sobre o ser grupo. A relaÃÃo com o lugar, com destaque para a lagoa como um de seus componentes, està fundada na afetividade que possibilita a ressignificaÃÃo dos espaÃos urbanos. A lagoa assume essa posiÃÃo de lugar que comporta lembranÃas, sÃmbolos e interaÃÃes referentes à vida das pessoas e da coletividade como um todo, elementos individuais entrelaÃados com lutas e sonhos coletivos. Em sÃntese, a prÃxis ambiental exige significaÃÃo afetiva do lugar, pois nÃo bastam as condiÃÃes estruturais para que saberes sejam tecidos. / This dissertation intends to understand how environmental knowledge is developed in popular movements which pursuit the revitalization of lakes in Fortaleza, and identify the connection between its demands and the formation of popular knowledge about the environmental issue, in order to encourage collective praxis. The theoretical and methodological orientation is based on a historical-dialectical viewpoint, associated with emphasis on relation, consented by the Echo-Relational Perspective (PER). It is a Participant Research, which includes the following techniques: participant observation, provided by continuous interaction between researcher and research subjects; semi-structured interviews, supported by guide containing general questions and topics, focusing on the subjectsâ historical actions inside the movements and their perception about the knowledge generated and the popular and environmental dynamics; focus group, aiming to obtain information about environmental knowledge and supply the interaction between two different popular groups. This research is grounded by a critical and dialogic conception of Environmental Education which led the themes of creation, practice and organization of environmental knowledge immersed in the subjectsâ everyday life. The results are demonstrated according to three fundamental categories, working as mediation which grants the establishment of knowledge in the popular groups. These categories are: social relations that constitute and are constituted at the same time by popular movements; the movement itself; and the bases which contribute to the subjectsâ formation. In speakersâ life experience and talks, itâs possible to identify knowledge and values associated with respect, environmental awareness, planetary responsibility, complexity, critical viewpoint about reality, environmental bureaucracy, collectiveness importance, dynamics of popular movements and self perception. In conclusion, in the combination of different pieces of mediation, itâs likely to identify the establishment of knowledge capable of promote individual and collective praxis. The relations set up in the interior of the groups make the subjects recognize each other. This is provided either by the boundaries they present or by the apprenticing process when confronting their different kinds of social reality. There is also the need of encourage thinking and experiences that can develop group consciousness. The relation to the place, in which the lake is inserted as one of its components, is based on the affectivity that makes the subjects find a new meaning for urban places. The lake takes this position of place that keeps memories, symbols and interaction concerning to peoplesâ life in both individual and collective ways, single elements tied with plural issues and dreams. To sum up, environmental praxis requires affective attribution of meaning to the place because structural conditions are not enough to knowledge development.

Now a days there is a world wide concern about the environment and this subject has affected all countries. However the commitment among the countries is not the same. The exploration of natural resources without rationality results in an environmental disaster, compromising the future of generations to come. Slashing the forest is a habit of the modern mankind that is the prejudicial not only to himself but also to other animals on earth. The settlers especially those from the Land Reform Program, organize themselves to preserve the environment after receiving the land. This study was focused in an investigation to understand the environmental knowledge of settlers from Darci Ribera s Project, located at Itaporanga County, to verify in loco, how they explain and organize themselves, in order to preserve the environment to reach a sustainable development. The work was based on theoretical concepts shown by Leff, Diegues and others thinkers, and was based on semi structured interviews, applications forms, and by observations of the day by day of settlers. The results obtained showed that settlers have a great amount of environmental knowledge, based in a potential of conservation and preservation, which has been passed from generation to generation, in how to use native vegetation not only as human food, but also as medicines, called by them jungle medicines . It was also pointed out, their productive capacity in order to provide surviving products, with a potential for the internal market, in order to promote a sustainable development. . / Na atualidade mundial a questão ambiental tem sido o assunto que tem afetado todos os países muito embora essa preocupação não se tenha por igual responsabilidade. A exploração dos recursos naturais provocando o desequilíbrio ambiental é a razão de ser das preocupações com o futuro da vida no Planeta e o desmatamento é a prática cultural do homem moderno mais nociva para a sua própria existência e dos demais seres bióticos. Os assentados, em particular aquele em Projetos de Assentamento da Reforma Agrária tem se organizado para conservar e ou preservar o meio ambiente após o recebimento da terra. O presente estudo teve como foco principal de investigação compreender os saberes ambientais dos assentados no Projeto de Assentamento Darci Ribeiro, localizado no município de Itaporanga D Ajuda/SE, na perspectiva de verificar in loco as formas explicativas da sua organização em relação com o meio ambiente e sua lógica de conservação e preservação de modo a promover o desenvolvimento sustentável. Para a concretização, o lume teórico revelado por Leff, Diegues e outros pensadores no assunto que direcionaram os rumos das investigações. Para tanto, foram realizadas por entrevistas semi-estruturadas, aplicação de questionários e da observação do cotidiano dos assentados. Os resultados alcançados revelaram que os assentados possuem um saber ambiental com base num potencial de preservação e conservação dos saberes adquiridos de geração a geração referente, em essência, ao uso da vegetação nativa tanto na alimentação humana como no uso e consumo de remédios ou remédios do mato , como dizem os assentados. Ressalta-se ainda sua capacidade produtiva como fonte abastecedora de produtos para a sua sobrevivência e em potencial para o mercado interno, promovendo o desenvolvimento sustentável.

Research sought to evaluate environmental attitudes, environmental knowledge, and nature-based recreation in Mississippi upper-elementary adolescents, as delineated by race/ethnicity and gender. Research was conducted Spring 2015 in eight study schools using three survey instruments. Analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA, univariate analysis of variance, and generalized linear mixed models. Results found that no gender differences exist between environmental attitudes or knowledge; however, Caucasian/White students displayed significantly higher environmental knowledge and attitudes versus their African American/Black peers. Additionally, a positive relationship was detected between attitudes and knowledge of study participants. Outdoor, nature-based recreation participation varied along race/ethnicity and gender, with Caucasian/White and male students displaying higher levels of participation. These results suggest a need for targeted environmental education programs for African American/Black students to include integrated knowledge components, as well as increased recreation opportunities for African American/Black and female study participants

Para análise da difusão de conhecimentos sobre o meio ambiente na gestão ambiental da indústria esta tese toma em vista três modelos mentais de meio ambiente – o modelo acadêmico, o empresarial e o modelo do senso comum. Após conceituar estas representações mentais de meio ambiente e expor especificidades da proteção ambiental em empresas, apresenta um estudo de caso efetuado na empresa Unilever – Divisão Elida Gibbs, em Vinhedo, São Paulo. Analisa o diálogo entre os modelos empresarial e do senso comum face ao conhecimento ecológico e discute que a educação ambiental, dos trabalhadores de uma empresa e de modo geral, deve se pautar em história natural e se desdobrar em uma educação para o planejamento ambiental visando incrementar a percepção judicativa e a capacidade de participação dos cidadãos na construção do espaço. / This research refers to three mental models of environment – the scientific model, the industrial model and the common sense model – to analyze the diffusion of environmental knowledges carried out by industrial environmental management systems. Besides theoretical considerations about mental models of environment and environmental conservation at industry, the research presents a case focused on Unilever industrial plant at Vinhedo, São Paulo. The research takes aim to lights on the dialogue between industrial and common sense mental models of the environment in the face of ecological knowledge and discuss educational activities based on natural history and especially on environmental planning to improve evaluative perceptions and participatory abilities of citizens in the production of space.

The aim of this study is four fold: (1) to determine 6th, 8th and 10th grade students&rsquo / environmental knowledge and attitudes, (2) to investigate the effect of the grade level and gender on students&rsquo / environmental knowledge and attitudes, (3) to examine environmental knowledge and attitudes of 10th grade students, exposed to &ldquo / Human and Environment&rdquo / course and those not exposed to this course, (4) to explore the relationship between participants&rsquo / environmental knowledge and attitudes. In this study the data was obtained by the administration of Turkish version of Children&rsquo / s Environmental Attitudes and Knowledge Scale (T-CHEAKS) as a measuring instrument to 2536 students from 18 randomly selected elementary schools and 10 secondary schools throughout &Ccedil / ankaya and Yenimahalle districts of Ankara in spring 2003-2004 semester. The data were analyzed by using two-way analyses of variance (ANOVA), independent-samples t test and bivariate correlations. A statistically significant effect of grade level was found on environmental knowledge and attitudes. While no statistically significant effect of &ldquo / Human and Environment&rdquo / course was found on environmental knowledge of 10th grade level students, &ldquo / Human and Environment&rdquo / course had a significant effect on attitudes toward the environment in favor of students exposed to this course. The gender difference on environmental knowledge was statistically significant for 6th grade students in favor of males. On the other hand, for each grade levels, females had more favorable environmental attitudes than males. Bivariate correlations revealed low, but positive correlation between students&rsquo / environmental knowledge and attitudes.