Avaliação de abordagens para divulgação científica de impactos à fauna marinha em comunidades litorâneas do Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

The scientific dissemination of anthropogenic impacts on marine fauna, through scientific exhibitions in the Cetaceans of Costa Branca Project (PCCB-UERN) and the Partners of the Sea Project, was studied. We aimed to evaluate the dissemination to the population of coastal communities about impacts on marine fauna and sustainability, and specifically, to characterize the actions of the Cetaceans of Costa Branca Project (PCCB-UERN); reflect on aspects of the Science of Sustainability that have been incorporated into the educational actions of the Partners of the Sea Project; analyze how teachers of early childhood education and science in elementary education identify themes of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the scientific exhibition of the Partners of the Sea Project and their possibilities of contribution to school education. For this, 17 members of the PCCB-UERN filled out a questionnaire and participated in interviews about education and training experiences, planning and execution of actions, and difficulties and solutions found. In addition, 29 teachers from early childhood education and science in elementary education from Areia Branca/RN evaluated the scientific exhibition of the Partners of the Sea Project, through a questionnaire. They pointed out the presence/absence of the themes of the Sustainable Development Goals in each element of the exhibition and answered what caught their attention the most. Data analysis included descriptive statistics for closed questions and qualitative investigation for open questions, using the Technique of Elaboration and Analysis of Units of Meaning. Results were quantified in graphs and tables. As results, the actions of the PCCB-UERN occur throughout the coast of Rio Grande do Norte, especially in urban areas, fishing communities, and riverside areas, for a predominantly young audience. The expository-dialogical approach was adopted by 14 members, and game and booklet strategies and playful activities were adopted by 16 members. 24% of the participants identified dispersion as a challenge. Regarding the actions of the Partners of the Sea Project, aspects of the Science of Sustainability that are contemplated include active public participation, contextualization of socio-environmental issues on spatial and temporal scales, interdisciplinarity in the content addressed, and knowledge co-production with communities. For the teachers who visited the scientific exhibition, the Sustainable Development Goals most contemplated were 4, focused on Quality Education, and 14, on Protecting Marine Life. Teachers conceived other SDGs throughout the exhibition indicating a holistic approach that includes socio-environmental, economic, and cultural aspects. Gaps were noted in issues related to gender equality and reducing inequalities. Twelve teachers mentioned that the exhibition enriches knowledge about marine biodiversity. Nine highlighted its contribution to addressing local socio-environmental issues. Three recognized its role in stimulating environmental care practices, while two mentioned its adaptation for early childhood education. It is concluded that the scientific exhibitions carried out by the Partners of the Sea Project and the educational actions of the PCCB-UERN have been effective in promoting awareness of the conservation of marine fauna, demonstrating that sustainability can be effectively addressed in spaces like these.