Gaia Scientia

6

Authors: Martin L. Christoffersen e Maria Elisabeth de Araújo

Biodiversity may be approached at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Whole genomes are intelligent informationprocessing systems. We are progressing from a Constant Genome concept, subject to random, localized changes at a relatively constant mutation rate, to a Fluid Genome concept, subject to episodic, massive, and non-random reorganizations capable of producing new functional architectures. We discuss the demise of the gene concept, with particular reference to the Human Genome Project. We also question the undue reliance on the automatic sequencing of organic molecules for the understanding of the phenotype of organisms and of their genealogical relations. Under the molecular revolution the neo-Darwinian Genetic Theory of Evolution is inexorably giving way to a new, systemic, hierarchical, dynamic, organism and population-centered paradigm, Genomics or Phylogenomics. There is also much room for the expansion of microdiversity studies in the present to taxon and ecosystem-centered Macroevolutionary approaches in the full geological time dimension.

6

Authors: Fernando G. S. Ayres e Jenner B. Bastos Filho

THE EXERCISE OF LIBERTIES, THE BATTLE AGAINST PLEONEXIA, AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION. In this paper we argue that Sen’s thesis according to which the development process necessarily requires the exercise of freedoms presents aspects of convergence with the thesis according to which pleonexia constitutes an obstacle for this process. We argue too that the theoretical refl ection on these themes can provide a better and deeper practice of environmental education.

8

Authors: Maria Goretti G. M. Castro, Aldo P. Ferreira, Inês E. Mattos

WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT IN AGRARIAN REFORM SETTLEMENTS BERNARDO MARIN II AND MUNDO NOVO, RUSSAS MUNICIPALITY (CEARÁ, BRAZIL): A CASE STUDY. The drought is one of the main problems in Northeast region. Ceará State was the precursor of dam installation in this region to regulate the fl ow of important water courses, but diffuse contamination tends to change the water quality in this type of reservoir. The research focused on the agrarian reform settlements in Russas, Ceará. Water quality was analyzed by the Water Quality Index (WQI) and the Trophic Level Index (TLI). WQI was found in the range of good quality water, but the samples showed disagreement for color, chlorides and total phosphorus standards. TLI indicated that the dam’s recreation area was mesotrophic and oligotrophic in another area of Açude Grande. It is suggested the removal or mitigation of pollution sources as a fi rst step for dam’s recovery. It is also stresses the importance of monitoring the evolution of TLI.

10

Authors: Rodrigo Machado

URBAN PARKS AS SPACE OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE VILA GUILHERME - TROTE MUNICIPAL PARK, SÃO PAULO - SP This paper discusses the proposal of working the urban parks as privileged spaces of critical environmental education, through considering the concept of this kind of parks, as well as arguing the idea of critical environmental education, recognizing it as dynamic and susceptible of transformation, differentiating itself of conservative education proposals. After that, the text displays the Vila Guilherme – Trote Municipal Park, in São Paulo – SP. In this public space, environmental education activities were identifi ed and articulated in a way to observe its potential as a critical proposal and with a view to collective action. By considering the interview as source of evidences, the work discusses its results: the description of the educative actions tested and the understanding about these experiences from the responsibles of the park; an analysis about the referential built on critical environmental education. One of the fi nal comments refers the concern to the refl ection of those involved and the possibilities of this proposal.

12

Authors: Rosa N. T. Jerônimo

TRADICIONAL CULTURAL MODELS IN POSTMODERN SPACES: THE COMUNITY OF IBIRAQUERA (SC) IN A PERSPECTIVE OF ENVIROMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY. The present article refers to an Environmental Science Master Course research carried out in the community of Ibiraquera, in Imbituba, in the south of Santa Catarina. The aim of the research was to understand the process of that space appropriation by the inhabitants of Ibiraquera, according to cultural traditional models in postmodern times. Focusing on the Environmental Psychology theories, a fi eld research with a qualitative approach was done, carrying out a case study of a sample of ten (10) inhabitants belonging to families that use traditional craft fi shing and subsistence agriculture. Data was mainly collected through the inhabitants’ report on their life histories. The main analyzed categories were Azorean cultural traditional models as well as the questions referring to post modernity and tourism. Results show appropriation of cultural practices related to religion, folklore, and cookery opposing to the post modern models which change the socio-cultural and affective space of Ibiraquera inhabitants.