Percepções dos monitores do Museu da Amazônia (Musa) sobre biodiversidade, Manaus-AM

Abstract

The Amazon is known as the largest tropical forest in the world, housing a rich biodiversity with a heritage of indigenous peoples and species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. In a context where the Amazon faces increasing threats due to deforestation and other human activities, awareness of the importance of its conservation stands out. The Museum of the Amazon (Musa) is a Living Museum within the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, which aims to promote scientific, cultural, and educational dissemination of the Amazon region. The present research aimed to relate the perceptions of Musa monitors regarding biodiversity with possibilities for action in a Living Museum. The specific objectives were: (i) to describe the Museum of the Amazon from the perspective of a Science Museum; (ii) to characterize the monitors working at the Museum; (iii) to understand the perceptions of Musa monitors about biodiversity. The research adopted a phenomenological qualitative approach. Data collection involved questionnaires, narrative interviews, document analysis, and on-site observations. The research subjects were the deputy director (current Director) and 14 of the 30 monitors (15 through the questionnaire and six also participated in the interviews). Data elaboration included descriptive analysis of the questionnaires and discursive textual analysis of the interviews. Results highlighted that Musa, as a Science Museum, integrates science, nature, and cultural traditions, offering unique experiences through immersion in the forest that can connect visitors with Amazonian biodiversity. The monitors, mostly young men, have backgrounds in Biological Sciences and receive training to conduct guided tours. It was noted that the conceptualization of biodiversity is widely understood by Musa monitors as the variety of life existing in a given environment. They recognize that biodiversity is not limited to animals and plants but also encompasses cultural and ecological aspects, as well as pointing out the importance of Amazon conservation and working to mediate this knowledge in an accessible and engaging way for visitors. The research demonstrated that the experiences, knowledge, and approaches of the monitors significantly contribute to achieving the objectives and mission of Musa, promoting scientific, cultural, and educational dissemination about the Amazon region and inspiring conservation and knowledge about this unique ecosystem. It is recommended to continue the research focusing on the analysis of guided tours by monitors, investigating visitors' perceptions of experiences at the Museum, and studying the impact of activities with schools. Such initiatives aim to enhance knowledge mediation practices and develop effective strategies that contribute to the Museum's objectives. Keywords: Science museums, biodiversity, monitors; Amazon.