Environmental training strengthens educational and conservation actions at the Utinga State Park
Three courses were held focusing on trail signage, trail management, and naturalized toys
The Utinga Camillo Vianna State Park, in Belém, was the stage for an important training initiative aimed at qualifying professionals and interns working in Conservation Units (UCs). Promoted by the Institute of Forest Development and Biodiversity (Ideflor-Bio), in partnership with the City of São Paulo, through the Municipal Secretary of Green and the Environment, the courses addressed fundamental themes for the management of natural spaces: trail signage, trail management, and naturalized toys.
The training sessions were conducted by Marcelo Freire Mendonça, coordinator of the Interparks Trail, a São Paulo initiative aimed at integrating and valuing urban green areas. With extensive experience in environmental planning and community mobilization, Mendonça shared technical and practical knowledge with the participants, which included Ideflor-Bio staff, environmental agents, and interns linked to the management of UCs around Belém.
Among the courses offered, the one on naturalized toys drew attention for its innovative proposal to integrate play with nature. With a duration of four hours, the content covered everything from the origin of these toys to the ecological and pedagogical benefits they provide. Safety standards, implementation techniques, and risk analysis were also discussed, which are fundamental aspects for the safe and effective installation of these facilities in parks and public gardens.
Exchange - "The course provided a broad and updated approach to sustainable and educational practices in protected areas. This exchange with the City of São Paulo strengthens our management strategies and visitor qualification, contributing to a more respectful and conscious relationship between society and nature," highlighted Júlio Meyer, manager of the Administrative Region of Belém at Ideflor-Bio.
For Marcelo Mendonça, the realization of the program at the Utinga State Park demonstrates the importance of integrating conservation networks among different regions of the country. "This exchange of experiences allows us to broaden horizons. What we learn from the Amazon biome can inspire actions in the Southeast, and vice versa. The idea is to build solutions together that combine environmental conservation, leisure, and education for all ages," he stated.
Learning - The Ideflor-Bio intern, Jefferson Azevedo, was one of the participants in the training. According to him, the content of the courses will have a direct impact on his professional performance. "This course can add a lot to my development, especially since I work in the areas of environmental education and natural spaces. Trail management and mapping teach essential techniques for using these environments in an educational and safe way. Naturalized toys stimulate creativity and contact with nature. It is knowledge that strengthens my practice in outdoor projects and contributes to a more conscious attitude towards the environment," he emphasized.
In addition to the technical content, participants highlighted the experiential nature of the training, with activities carried out in the field, on the trails and leisure areas of the Utinga State Park. The initiative is part of a series of actions by Ideflor-Bio aimed at strengthening participatory management and promoting sustainable practices in the Conservation Units under its responsibility.
According to Júlio Meyer, the expectation is that new editions of the courses will be promoted throughout the year, including other themes related to environmental education, ecotourism, and participatory management in different regions of Pará.
