Índices de desempenho e coerência ambiental para o diagnóstico do gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos: subsídios à educação ambiental

Abstract

Environmental Education is a fundamental educational process for preparing citizens to understand and address environmental issues. In the context of municipal solid waste management, the planning of effective educational actions depends on the prior identification of existing needs and weaknesses within the local context. Accordingly, this study aimed to propose a methodology for developing indices to diagnose aspects related to municipal solid waste management and to support the planning of Environmental Education actions in the municipality of Francisco Beltrão, located in the southwestern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach and was based on the analysis of a population survey comprising 425 interviews, as well as data obtained from a survey conducted with Basic Education teachers. Based on these assessments, two indices were developed: the Environmental Performance Index, designed to evaluate the population’s performance regarding municipal solid waste segregation, and the Environmental Coherence Index, used to measure the relationship between environmental self-perception and the behavior effectively demonstrated by the participants. The indices revealed weaknesses in waste segregation, with an Environmental Performance Index of - 3.18%, indicating a predominance of incorrect over correct practices, and an Environmental Coherence Index of 14.70%, showing discrepancies between participants’ environmental perceptions and their actual performance. Interviews with teachers identified difficulties related to interdisciplinarity, the availability of teaching materials, and the need for continuing education programs more closely aligned with school realities. Based on the results, Environmental Education actions were developed with Basic Education teachers, employees of the Municipal Department of the Environment, and students enrolled in the Technical Program in Environmental Studies. These actions included lectures, practical workshops, and educational activities on municipal solid waste management. It was concluded that the integrated use of assessments, indices, and educational actions made it possible to understand the weaknesses and potentialities related to waste management and Environmental Education. Thus, the study contributed to the planning of more effective interventions aligned with the local context.