Contra as Secas: a engenharia e as origens de um planejamento regional no nordeste brasileiro

Droughts surfaced in 1877 as a crucial problem for the birthing Brazilian nation. Engineers, who formed the country's technical and scientific elite, took it upon themselves to study, understand and fight the problem through planned actions of intervention on space. This work, based on proposals and discussions contained in engineering magazines and reports, aims to provide elements for the comprehension of how these systematized actions against droughts, in the Iate nineteenth and early twentieth century, contributed to spatial analysis and the formation of a (then-inexistent) regional and territorial planning discipline in Brazi!. Engineers, by taking up the position of masterminds in the country's modernization, guaranteed for themselves personal economic stability, social prestige and political power. By understanding nature, either as a resource to be exploited or an adversary to national progress, they contributed to the delimitation of the region now known as the Northeast. By seeking to understand the drought phenomenon, they created knowledge about the space they sought to intervene on; by constructing their projects amid political and economical difficulty, they changed the organizational structures of cities and country in the northeast. The proposals for açudes (Iarge water reservoirs) allowed the fixation of population and the resistance against droughts; the roads - railroads and automotive roadways - connected the sertão to the capitais and the coast, speeding up help to the affected populations during droughts and allowing the circulation of goods so as to strengthen the local economies in normal rimes. The adopted practices and techniques, adapted from foreign experience and developed through trial and improvement, were consolidated as an eminently spatial intervention course, even if a theoretical body of regional or territorial planning wasn't formed in Brazil. Regional Planning proper was first applied in the country in the Northeast itself, in the 1950s, based off an economical view of reality in order to achieve development. The engineer's work prior tothat date, however, cannot be dlsconsldered. It was proved that, despite facing financial and political hurdles, engineers had a profound commitment to the problem and intended to act systematically to transform the economical and social relations in the region, in order to be victorious in their struggle against droughts

Da bancada ao Bureau: análise do desenvolvimento da biotecnologia no Nordeste Brasileiro sob o enfoque de Sistema Regional de Inovação

The starting point of the present work consisted of investigating the development of biotechnology in the Northeast region of Brazil from the perspective of a Regional Innovation System (RIS). The theoretical framework adopted relied on the approaches and concepts presented by the Neo-Schumpeterian perspective. This framework was chosen because, by means of the Innovation System concept, this literature allows us to analyze the relationships and configurations of actors, as well as the role of the state and of social, science and technology, and economic policies in the studied region. The analysis considered four selected dimensions: physical infrastructure, human capital, scientific production, and funding. These variables were chosen because they allow us to verify the possibilities and limitations of developing a biotechnology RIS in the Northeast of Brazil, and these elements would help in answering the question behind this dissertation. The location of the physical infrastructure was determined by means of bibliographic and documental research and interviews with heads of institutions that do biotechnology research. Regarding human capital, the analysis focused on resource training in biotechnology, highlighting graduate courses and research groups in the area. To measure knowledge production, we delimited scientific collaboration among researchers in the field of biotechnology as the focus of this category. For the funding dimension, information was gathered from reports available at the websites of national and state funding agencies. The data was analyzed through method triangulation, involving quantitative and qualitative research stages. To back the analyses, we revisited the integration policies in the area of Science, Technology and Innovation. Our analysis has shown that these policies play a crucial role in the development of biotechnology in the region being studied. The data revealed that the physical infrastructure is concentrated in only three states (Bahia, Ceará, and Pernambuco). In this regard, the Northeast Biotechnology Network (Renorbio) stands out as a strategic actor, enabling states with poor infrastructure to develop research through partnerships with institutions located in another state. We have also verified that the practices involving human resource training and knowledge production are factors that enable the emergence of a regional system for biotechnology in the studied region. As limitations, we have verified the low immersion level of regional actors, the heterogeneity of socioeconomic indicators, the lack of financial resources, and a low innovation culture in the business sector. Overall, we have concluded that the development of a Regional Innovation System in Biotechnology, based on the current regional dynamics, depends on an effective change in the behavior of the social agents involved, both in the national and regional dimensions as well as in the public and private spheres

Revelando os modos de vida da Ponta do Tubarão

It is analyzed the social struggle held by locals at Barreiras, Diogo Lopes and Sertãozinho communities (Macau-RN) in order to avoid the ownership of its mangrove area to hotel managers, in 1995 and to hinder the destruction of Ilha dos Cavalos mangrove by the shrimp producers, in 2000, what led to the creation of Ponta do Tubarão Reserve of State Sustainable Development, located at Macau and Guamaré cities, northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte, respectively 180 and 200 kilometers away from Natal, created in July, 18, 2003 by the Decree State Law n. 8.349, to preserve its traditional territory and way of life. It is photographed and analyzed the developed ways of life in this Unit of Conservation, from the sociocultural category, based in pointers of the material production in the life ways as: the work, the leisure, the religion, the popular knowledge and the action of the contemporary men on the environment. In this perspective, it is considered as method strategy a sociocultural photo cartography, created to this research, and to be concretized used photographic documents, observation, interviews, documental research and bibliographic research, being an association of techniques as peculiarities of this strategy of research. It is concluded that the social struggle developed by the collective actors at Ponta do Tubarão Reserve of State Sustainable Development, is characterized as a transforming action against the global and predatory capital, for the maintenance of the environment and the traditional way of life; One also concludes that the sociocultural photo cartography is very important as a proposal of possible procedures to being used in qualitative researches, because of its analytical potentialities providing a more including vision of the sociocultural routine of the studied space, in the attempt to know and to disclose the relations lived for the citizens of the research in Social Sciences

Saberes e práticas etnomatemáticas na carcinicultura: o caso da Vila de Rego Moleiro-RN

This study addresses issues related to the mathematical knowledge and practices of the workers of carcinoculture (shrimp farming), associating such knowledge and practices to the conceptual aspects and the academic mathematical language. Our central aim was to investigate and discuss such knowledge and practices in order to contribute towards having the members of this group reflect upon their own working practices. The investigation took as reference the ethnographic research approach during observations and interviews, as well as the analysis and interpretation of the existing cultural aspects on the use of Mathematics in the shrimp farmers daily activities, thus composing the four chapters of this dissertation. Initially, the local-regional context was set in the area where the workers of the shrimp farm reside, also describing our methodological options. After that, the kind of work that was carried out is explained through a brief history of the shrimp-farming activity, including a short discussion on the environmental impacts that result as a consequence of shrimp-farming. We then discuss some theoretical and practical aspects of the Ethnomathematics while field of study and research. At that moment, we make a reflection upon the different kinds of Mathematics, especially stressing the kind of Mathematics being taught in Schools and that being put to practice by identifiable cultural groups. With that in mind, we show the investigated knowledge and practices e some possible systematizations accomplished during the study. In the end, we point out some conclusive propositions based on the implications of our study towards the development of an educational process within the local communities, considering a possible use of the results and conclusions of this study in the classroom activities

Registro da atuação do movimento dos atingidos por barragens nos reassentamentos de Acauã: a alfabetização de jovens e adultos

This work contains the problematic of sub-education among the population that was excluded from school attendance in the regular time, contributing to knowledge production about educational practices developed in EJA (the Young and Adult Education). It focuses on the Pedagogical proposal and on the experience in young and adult literacy in the context of the mobilization of people affected by dam building. It depicts the international, national and regional mobilization against huge dams building and the emergence of the Movement of Dam Affected People (MAB), highlighting their general project and registering their teaching performance, particularly in young and adult literacy. In methodological and theoretical approaches, two interconnected categories are considered: the historical entirety, essentially theoretical, and the young and adult education practice. Based on the entirety, it outlines a contextualized explanation about the stakeholder s situation and, respecting the second category, which is part of the first one, places literacy as one of the basic aspects of an omnilateral man upbringing. The study broaches a wide context of dams in the world, placing the socio-environmental effects resulting from dams building in Brazil, in Northeast region and in Paraíba, and emphasizing the consequences of Acauã Dam building in the Paraíba cities of Aroeiras, Itatuba and Natuba. It presents the particular context of the population affected by Acauã, summarizing a panoramic view about the involved Paraíba cities and learning the conditions of residents relocation. It appraises the educational project and the National-MAB literacy proposal, operationalized by Paraíba-MAB in resettlements sited on Acauã s surroundings. It ensures that, besides public policies including financing, the feasibility of literacy problem solution can be completed with Pedagogical actions attached to the target people peculiarities and immediate necessities, respecting actions connected through one comprehensive and contextualized educational project. It evaluates the young and adult literacy project developed in the restricted Paraíba-MAB area, as an example of a Pedagogical action minimally contextualized. Eventually, it recommends researchers and teachers in general, that are committed to this work perspective, to pay attention to the way they articulate discussions and participation, so as to contemplate these communities expectations and necessities in Pedagogical projects and spaces based on discussion, dialogue and collective reflection

A gestão do conhecimento e a inovação tecnológica como fatores de sobrevivência e de competitividade na sociedade do conhecimento: uma análise exploratória das MPEs do Rio Grande do Norte

The study examines the process of Knowledge Management and Technological Innovation in Small and Micro Enterprises (SME) in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and proposes actions that can contribute to regional development and competitiveness of SME. Presents as technological innovation can help to make the SME entrepreneurial activities with innovative and competitive. Defines the phases and activities of the construction of knowledge in small organizations. Examines the process of Innovation, Research and Development (R & D) in SME. Identifies the use of knowledge management and technological innovation in management practices and social interaction to influence the competitiveness of SME. Covers the communities of practice as a diffuser of knowledge and learning. To obtain the data were used questionnaires with closed questions with multiple choice, direct observations and interviews with companies. The questionnaires and interviews covered the topics of Innovation, Knowledge Management and Competitive Intelligence on SME. The sample consisted of a total of 13 Small and Micro Enterprises Award winning MPE Brazil Competitiveness, sponsored by SEBRAE in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. The assessment questionnaires dealing with the Knowledge Management (KM Diagnostics - Model Bukowitz and Williams, 2002) and the process of Technological Innovation (Adaptation of ANPEI - National Association for Research, Development and Engineering of Innovative Companies). With the analysis, we concluded that the SME perceive knowledge management, but not formalized management practices so as to facilitate the dissemination of information. Soon, these companies need additional supports to direct them to the innovative activities that generate added value and competitiveness in the market

Análise da atividade turística desenvolvida na área de proteção ambiental dos Recifes de Corais RN

The protected areas are created for conservation to nature. The way they associate with the communities and visitors are essential to its objectives are achieved. This study aims to analyze how tourism is developed in the. The Recifes dos Corais Protected Area (APARC) through the identification of the image that tourists and residents have with respect to Parracho of Maracajaú and knowledge of the factors that contribute to a satisfactory visit of tourists. For this was an exploratorydescriptive study with quali-quantitative approach, with 236 tourists and 70 residents of the district of Maracajaú, using questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis techniques were used and percentage of arithmetic, factor analysis and content analysis. The results showed that the importance and significance attributed by residents to Parracho related to economic gains. Information on the APARC and on their standards are not done efficiently and contribute to negatively impact the site. The profile of tourists is not the most appropriate for a protected area. The dimensions of satisfaction to the tourists demonstrated the need for actions to be undertaken by the administration of APARC. Conclude that the image that the residents and tourists have of APARC is not conducive to the image of a protected areas. The tourists are satisfied with the tour in APARC, however, the dimensions of satisfaction are not consistent with the conservation of the site

Entendendo as interações entre povos pesqueiros, manguezal e área protegida: RDS estadual Ponta do Tubarão (RN, Brasil)

The mangrove ecosystem has a great importance to maintaining marine biodiversity, and to the livelihoods of communities living around it. Despite its importance, many mangrove areas have been extensively cleared and converted to other uses. There are few places where communities can retain their traditional uses of mangrove. A good example of conservation of traditional costumes are the fishing communities of the Sustainable Development Reserve (Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável RDS) Ponta do Tubarão. The creation of the reserve came from the own population, and the devastation of a mangrove area, which would be destined for activity shrimp, was one of the reasons that led the population to ask authorities the establishment of a legally protected area. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the environmental perception of the fishing communities of RDS Ponta do Tubarão with respect to the mangroves in a biological, ecological and social perspective as well as evaluate the influence of the reserve in the mangrove conservation and quality of life. To meet objectives of this study was required the appropriation of some method and approaches of ethnosciences and environmental perception. Data were collected through direct observation, and semi-structured interviews. Through content analysis found that the population has a strong dependence on the mangrove ecosystem, as well as provides a good ecological knowledge of ecosystem functions. It was also found that the reservation has a good performance in the conservation of the mangroves; however, need to outline strategies to conciliate both the biological and cultural conservation.

ENTENDENDO AS INTERAÇÕES ENTRE POVOS PESQUEIROS, MANGUEZAL E ÁREA PROTEGIDA: RDS ESTADUAL PONTA DO TUBARÃO (RN, BRASIL)

The mangrove ecosystem has a great importance to maintaining marine biodiversity, and to the livelihoods of communities living around it. Despite its importance, many mangrove areas have been extensively cleared and converted to other uses. There are few places where communities can retain their traditional uses of mangrove. A good example of conservation of traditional costumes are the fishing communities of the Sustainable Development Reserve (Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável RDS) Ponta do Tubarão. The creation of the reserve came from the own population, and the devastation of a mangrove area, which would be destined for activity shrimp, was one of the reasons that led the population to ask authorities the establishment of a legally protected area. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the environmental perception of the fishing communities of RDS Ponta do Tubarão with respect to the mangroves in a biological, ecological and social perspective as well as evaluate the influence of the reserve in the mangrove conservation and quality of life. To meet objectives of this study was required the appropriation of some method and approaches of ethnosciences and environmental perception. Data were collected through direct observation, and semi-structured interviews. Through content analysis found that the population has a strong dependence on the mangrove ecosystem, as well as provides a good ecological knowledge of ecosystem functions. It was also found that the reservation has a good performance in the conservation of the mangroves; however, need to outline strategies to conciliate both the biological and cultural conservation.

Territorialidade e pesca: atualidades e tradições no uso dos recursos pesqueiros na comunidade litorânea da praia da Pipa Rio Grande do Norte

The need for sustainability in the exploitation of natural resources in coastal areas has been out in recent years, as well as the social and cultural sustainability of traditional communities in these regions. Coastal and estuarine wild areas are influenced directly or indirectly by a set of human activities such as artisanal fishing. Therefore, there is a demand for an integrated design of these areas and according to the landing values, a pattern of unsustainable development of national marine fishing activity. The study was conducted in the coastal community of Praia da Pipa, Tibau do Sul municipality, RN, between june 2009 and june 2010 and aimed to characterize the fishery performed, its socio-economic strategies and fishing areas, as well as to identify ichthyofauna, to assess the sustainability of the major resources and to identify cultural traits related to artisanal fisheries, their problems and prospects; linking tradition and the present fishing activity carried out in the community. For this study, a total of 67 structured interviews were collected, including qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 133 fish landings and direct observations were performed. Informants were identified according to one of the following categories: fishermen, vessel masters and members of the local population with offspring. Applications SPSS 10.0, Paint.Ink and Microsoft Office Excel 2007 were used for tabulation and analysis of results. Local fishermen are, on average, 25 years fishing, have 40 years old and the average monthly income is up to 03 minimum wages. The local fleet consists of 20 vessels, that uses different line sizes and types of networks, operating in 21 fishing grounds and showing a reduction in the vessel numbers by 66% in the last decade. We recorded 76 species of fish, captured by the local fleet and the top 5 were quantitatively analyzed serra spanish mackarel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), little tunny (Euthynnus alleteratus), yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus), red snapper (Lutjanus analis) and common snook (Centropomus undecimalis), accounting for 46,5% of production in the period. The capture of these species was composed mostly of adults. Data analysis showed a significant decrease of the local fishing activity over the last decade due to the weakness displayed by the political-social category, the devaluation of local knowledge and the emergence of new sources of income through increased tourism. The characteristics of the fishing community suggest it to pass through significant changes as the appreciation of their cultural and traditional aspects. We identified a tendency to sustainability of main species caught, suggesting that public policies to be adopted locally comply with the current characteristics of fishing undertaken in the community and knowledge of fishermen related to the environment, allowing environmental, as well as social and cultural sustainability of the community involved.

Protozoários de vida livre em ambientes aquáticos do RN: ocorrência, caracterização e importância para a educação básica

Water is considered an essential right to life, besides being a determinant of economic development and social welfare, represented by both the quantity available, and the quality. In semi-arid Northeast, droughts occurring on a regular basis combined with human activities, aggravate the situation regarding the conservation of water resources in this area. To alleviate this condition is common to construction of artificial reservoirs, such as reservoirs and dams. As in natural aquatic environments, these reservoirs are potential sites for the proliferation, growth and development of diverse biological communities, whether of animals, plants and microorganisms. Research on the composition and ecology of these communities, especially microbial, are still restricted. One of the least studied groups in these environments are free-living protozoa, which over time have been neglected and after discoveries about its various functions in the aquatic ecosystem are beginning to receive more attention from scholars. They are, in quantitative terms, the most important consumers of microorganisms (mainly bacteria and algae) in aquatic environments, and therefore control the abundance of these. They may therefore influence the structure of the aquatic food chain in terms of species composition, abundance, biomass and biodiversity. Despite the recognition of the importance of protozoa in the final of the trophic transfer in aquatic environments, there are few data and, in general, are still precarious knowledge of them. Given the importance of protozoa in aquatic environments and the paucity of research on this group, especially in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the present study aimed at identifying the genus and species of free-living protozoa that are present in the Armando Ribeiro Gonçalves Dam as well as to relate the occurrence and dynamics of the trophic conditions in the environment in which they are inserted, in order to support the hypothesis that species that are in these environments can serve to indicate the water quality. We observed the presence of 65 taxa of free-living protozoa, of which 29 were identified at the species level. There was a similarity space in taxonomic composition of protozoa, suggesting a possible regulation of this type of community for limnological variables other than those studied in this work (chlorophyll a, pH, temperature). Although it was aimed to analyze the conceptions of teachers and students from nearby towns Dam Armando Ribeiro Gonçalves, on issues relating to water quality and the role of protozoa. For this, we applied questionnaires with teachers and pupils of public schools of San Rafael and Itajá. It was concluded that teachers and students recognize the multi-dam Armando Ribeiro Gonçalves, although unaware of important aspects of the dynamics and ecology of this environment. Conceptions of teachers and students are matched at various times, especially with regard to waterborne diseases. In an attempt to identify possible misconceptions about the knowledge of the protozoa, assuming that these organisms have neglected their ecological role, and are seen as only, disease, a study was done with teachers and students, following a particular methodology that allowed look so clear and precise results. It was clear that knowledge about the free-living protozoa is still quite limited. The alternative conceptions that were found show a direct relation of protozoans and diseases. From the data obtained by these studies, we planned a series of science communication activities, environmental education and health education in schools close to study environments in order to promote a didactic transposition of accumulated knowledge about these organisms, favoring continuing education of teachers and the increase of information to the local community through the knowledge of biodiversity and ecology of these organisms. Moreover, the results found in this study and reflections on it that led to propose the elaboration of a book Readers with an emphasis on the group of freeliving protozoa in the populations for use in public schools in the region where it was developed the semiarid work

Protozoários de vida livre em dois trechos da bacia hidrográfica do rio pirangi (RN): relações com a educação em ciências e preservação

The vast hidric wealth of Brazil gets its watersheds more susceptible to impacts that compromise the water quality, affecting the ecosystem stability of aquatic environments. The decrease in the quality of water resources also results in a decrease of its multiple uses, especially in tourist areas of the coast, where the continuous flow of people to these sites increases even further the probability of inappropriate behavior of both tourists and local residents. Studies regarding the microbiological communities are still scarce, especially on the free-living protozoa that play unique roles in the food chain of aquatic ecosystems. Due to the large role played by this group of microorganisms in aquatic environments, the present study aimed at identifying the genus and species of free-living protozoa present in two sections of the Pium River, east coast of Rio Grande do Norte, making an association between the its occurrence and trophic conditions of the environment in which they are, also checking the bioindicator capacity of these organisms in water quality. It also aimed to conduct a survey with students to identify the main difficulties regarding the knowledge of free-living protozoa and hydric transmission diseases in two public schools near the river studied in the Pium district, county of Parnamirim. The survey was analyzed by means of questionnaires at both schools. Students identified several activities developed Pium river, highlighting its multifunctionality and importance to the region. A total of 76 taxa of free-living protozoa was recorded, of these, 33 were ciliates, 19 flagellates and 24 sarcodia. The spatial and temporal patterns of these organisms to both points studied revealed the bioindicator potentiality of some effective species identified. However, knowledge about the free-living protozoa proved quite lagged, presenting misconceptions that show them as pathogenic organisms exclusively, totally disregarding their ecological role. In order to remedy the flaws existing in students in relation to the functional role of protozoa, workshops were planned on these microorganisms while also addressing issues related to hydric transmission diseases through lectures, recreational activities and interactive presentations. These practical activities of Science Education had the goal of bringing students the context of local water resources, aiming to promote a greater clarification regarding of the functional role of free-living protozoa in aquatic environments

A agricultura familiar do Seridó potiguar: vulnerabilidade, percepção e adaptação às mudanças climáticas

At the semiarid regions of developing countries the rural population has always been vulnerable to the climatic variations e its consequences. The effects of the semiarid climate, together with other biophysics, social and political-economic factors, impair the agricultural production, generating a situation of food insecurity and poverty in the rural areas. With the occurrence of climate change, natural resources of the semiarid regions can became scarcer, what would directly affect the agricultural production and those who depend on it. Therefore, the present study sought to study one of the most susceptible areas to the effects of the semiarid climate and desertification of Rio Grande do Norte, the potiguar s Serido. The study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic and environmental factors that put farmers in a position of vulnerability to the effects of climate; assess their perceptions about climate variations that have already occurred and their knowledge about climate change and global warming, also to identify which adaptation strategies to climate they have adopted at the rural establishment. The survey was conducted in 29 communities of four counties of the potiguar s Serido Caico, Parelhas, Lagoa Nova and Acari. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with local leaders and 241 questionnaires were applied with the family farmers. It was found that in addition to environmental factors such as the scarcity of water resources and climatic conditions, other factors such as the environmental degradation, the small size of the properties, the lack of technical assistance and financial resources and also the low education levels reduce the resilience capacity of family farming to the effects of the Semiarid climate. With the occurrence of climate change, the challenges for family farming at Serido will intensify. If farmers cannot adapt, the impacts may preclude this category of agricultural production causing serious harm to food security and further increasing the vulnerability situation of these populations. Although the farmers perceived changes in climate, the lack resources and information appears as the main reasons preventing the adoption of adaptation strategies. The lack of knowledge about climate change and global warming and the impacts that these phenomena may cause are also limiting factors for adaptation. It is therefore essential to identify the factors that influence the adoption of adaptation strategies, and seek alternatives to living with the semiarid that can strengthen the resilience of family farming and social reproduction that allow agricultural segment, even in a climate change scenario

Proposta de critérios adicionais para definição de Área Prioritária para Conservação no Semiárido brasileiro

Environmental changes and their consequences on the global level have challenged the different fields of study to integrate towards effective solutions to minimize and /or equate the negative impacts of these changes in different types of environments. In this context, the Environmental Perception has been a widely used and relevant in studies that consider the relationship between the environment and human actions, by allowing analysis of perceptions, attitudes and values, key influencers of topophilia that resonates in conservation tool. Allied to Environmental Perception, Integrated Analysis of the Landscape is relevant because it allows to analyze in a systematic way the geographical space where all its elements are interrelated in a way that supports needed to understand the complex physical and human environment of a given environment. In this perspective, we have studied the João do Vale Serrano Complex, located in semiarid of Rio Grande do Norte state, which features a set of landscapes with different faces, which are being replaced by various economic activities and disordered population growth, with consequent exploitation the potential of natural resources. This thesis main goal was to combine the Environmental Perception of rural communities to the of Serrano Complex Landscape Analysis as additional criteria for the definition of Priority Areas for Conservation. The perception data were collected through direct observation, questioning, interviews and application forms to 240 people (100 % of occupied households in the mountain community) during the months of february and august 2011, with theoretical and methodological basis Environmental Perception. Integrated Landscape Analysis was performed by GTP (Geosystem - Territory - Landscape) method, using the Geographic Information System (GIS), using the technique of GIS for mapping the landscape. The results showed that respondents have a sense of topophilia by where they live, hold a vast knowledge of the natural resources in this Serrano Complex, and responded positively regarding the choice of an exclusive area for conservation. The Integrated Analysis of Landscape possible to identify the different forms of existing uses and occupations in Serrano Complex, have caused significant changes in space, especially on the plateau where vegetation was virtually replaced by human dwellings and cashew plantations. Through the maps of slope and environmental vulnerability was identified that areas with high slopes (gullies) are limiting factor for occupation by communities and therefore relevant and amenable to conservation, including by being Permanent Preservation Areas. These results, together, made possible to define a map of Priority Areas for Conservation in Serrano Complex, with three priority categories: low, medium and high. Therefore, the use of these additional criteria are relevant for the definition /designation of Priority Areas for Conservation

A biotecnologia na propagação e conservação do umbuzeiro (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam.) e percepção sobre sua importância por agricultores da comunidade Malhada Vermelha, Campo Redondo (RN-Brasil)

The umbu tree (Spondias tuberosa Arruda) is a fruit native to the northeast of Brazil with great economic, social and ecological importance for the northeastern semi-arid region. Despite its role, the umbu tree has suffered negative pressure thanks to cluttered extractivism and to negative selection of its fruits, which as the deforestation and the dormancy of seeds contribute to the decrease of its production year after year, making necessary studies that contribute to the improvement of this specie and its conservation. Given the risks to the conservation of the specie and its usefulness to the population, the association between plant biotechnology, for being a tool that can be used to increase its production. and the perception of gathering communities, by valuing the point of view and the knowledge of the population, can facilitate its conservation. This work aimed to develop methods of propagation for umbu tree as well as contribute to its conservation by using biotechnology, with specific objectives to contribute to the conservation of this species; determine concentrations of BAP and ANA in the formation of buds; testing the efficiency of different substrates and concentrations of gibberellic acid on germination in vitro and ex vitro, as well as capture the perception of families in communities that engage in the gathering of umbu. To study the germination, the seeds were inoculated in different substrates (vermiculite, vermiculite + clay, clay, clay + manure and manure + vermiculite) and in different concentrations of gibberellic acid (0 mg, 250 g and 500 mg). For the formation of buds BAP to 0.1 mg-1 was associated with different concentrations of ANA (0.2; 0.4; 0.8mg.L-1). The study of perception was conducted by applying semi-structured questionnaire with Malhada Vermelha community. The experiments resulted in vermiculite and concentration of 500 mg gibberellic acid as the best for germination. The association of 0.1 mg.L-1 of BAP to 0.2 mg.L-1 of ANA provided better formation of buds. As to the application of questionnaires, they revealed that the population understands the decreased amount of umbu plants and umbu fruit in the region, as well as shows concern for its conservation.