Abstract Co-development of knowledge is a useful tool for addressing the management of complex social-ecological systems like the ribeirinhos (riverine communities) of Brazil. Incorporating local knowledge and environmental perception of ribeirinhos into assessments of river degradation can lead to management outcomes that better support human and ecosystem health. In the state of Piauí, Brazil, riverine people depend on the Igaraçu River for various subsistence needs. However, river pollution has increased. The objective of this study was to comprehend the perceptions of ribeirinhos regarding the environmental degradation of the Igaraçu River in Piauí and how they believed it affected their life and ecosystem. We conducted interviews with 79 informants to gather insights on environmental degradation, its causes, and consequences. The results were analyzed using a Loyalty Level (LL) metric. The majority of respondents (67.86%, n=38) perceived that degradation was indeed taking place. They attributed the primary causes of degradation to discarded garbage (LL= 74.41) and the discharge of polluted water (LL= 11.60). Informants reported that local fauna and flora (LL= 35.70) were being impacted by water contamination. However, despite their reliance on the river for sustenance, including food, water, and the harvesting of forest products, they did not perceive any significant harm to their livelihoods. This study demonstrates that individuals who have a direct dependency on local natural resources can offer firsthand data regarding environmental changes. However, additional efforts are required to assist local communities (those who directly utilize the local environment) in developing a deeper understanding of how environmental degradation impacts both the present and future of their communities, as well as their connection to the local ecosystem.

Investigations approaching environmental perception clarify fundamental thoughts and attitudes for the development of assimilative environmental education. This study aimed to understand the environmental perception of riverside dwellers in the Igaraçu River, Parnaíba, Piauí, regarding the environmental damage that occurs in the river. One person responsible for each riverine family was selected. These were interviewed using semi-structured forms and asked about the environmental damage that occurs in the river, its causes and consequences. Results were evaluated by Loyalty Level (FL). Most of them perceive the existence of damage in the river (67.86%, n:38). Among the damages, the main causes are garbage (FL: 74.41) and sewage (FL: 11, 60). Although the community depends on the river for food and hydration, most of them do not feel prejudiced (56.9%). On the other hand, they perceive that fauna (FL: 55.35%) and flora (FL: 35.70) are being negatively affected. It is concluded that the informants are aware of the damage that occurs in the river, its causes and consequences, but they do not realize how these changes affect their lives. Thus, it is necessary to incorporate these data in the construction of the environmental education process in this community so that it is more assimilative and effective, to build changes in attitudes, values and mitigation of damage to health.

Investigaciones que abordan el percepción ambiental aclaran pensamientos y actitudes fundamentales para la elaboración de una educación ambiental asimilativa. El objetivo fue comprender la percepción ambiental de los habitantes de las riberas del río Igaraçu, Parnaíba, Piauí, sobre el daño ambiental que se produce en el río. Se seleccionó a una persona responsable de cada familia ribereña. Estos fueron entrevistados a través de formularios semiestructurados y se les preguntó sobre el daño ambiental que se produce en el río, sus causas y consecuencias. Los resultados fueron evaluados por nivel de lealtad (FL). La mayoría percibe la existencia de daños en el río (67,86%, n: 38). Entre los daños, las principales causas son basura (FL: 74.41) y eliminación de agua contaminada (FL: 11, 60). A pesar de la comunidad depende del río para su alimentación e hidratación, gran parte no se siente perjudicada (56,9%), por otro lado perciben que la fauna (FL: 55,35%) y la flora (FL: 35,70) están siendo afectadas. Se concluye que los informantes son conscientes del daño que se produce en el río, sus causas y consecuencias, pero no se dan cuenta de cómo esto afecta sus vidas. Por ello, es necesario incorporar estos datos en la construcción del proceso de Educación Ambiental de esta comunidad para que sea más asimilable y eficaz a fin de construir cambios de actitudes, valores y mitigación de daños a la salud.

Investigações abordando a percepção ambiental esclarecem pensamentos e atitudes fundamentais para a elaboração da educação ambiental assimilativa. Objetivou-se compreender a percepção ambiental de ribeirinhos do Rio Igaraçu, Parnaíba, Piauí sobre os danos ambientais ocorrentes nesse recurso hídrico. Foram selecionados um responsável por cada família ribeirinha. Estes foram entrevistados utilizando formulários semiestruturados e questionados sobre os danos ambientais que ocorrem, causa e consequências. Os resultados foram avaliados pelo Nível de Fidelidade (FL). A maioria deles percebem a existência de danos (67,86%, n:38). Dentre os danos, as principais causas são o lixo (FL: 74,41) e o esgoto (FL:11, 60). Apesar da comunidade depender do rio para alimentação e hidratação, grande parte deles não se sente prejudicada (56,9%). Por outro lado, percebem que a fauna (FL: 55,35%) e a flora (FL: 35,70) estão sendo negativamente afetadas. Conclui-se que os informantes estão cientes dos danos ocorrentes no rio, suas causas e consequências, mas não percebem como estas alterações afetam suas vidas. Desta maneira é necessário a incorporação destes dados na construção do processo da educação ambiental desta comunidade para que essa seja mais assimilativa e efetiva, a fim de construir mudanças de atitudes, valores e mitigação de danos à saúde.