Abstract
The Brazilian redemocratization process has generated several participatory management experiences in different sectors. In the environmental sphere, for example, the creation of management councils of Conservation Units (UC - Unidades de Conservação) was one of those experiences that brought political and social progress in what concerns the sustainability and democratic management of these territories. In this context, the article analyzes the constitution and functioning of a managing council of a UC in the state of Minas Gerais, considered one of the most participative, namely: the Advisory Council of the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park (PESB - Parque Estadual da Serra do Brigadeiro ). We work methodologically with participant observation and with document reviews. As results, we argue that one of the elements that make the Council of the PESB participatory is the process of implementation of this UC itself, the first of Minas Gerais created in a participatory manner; and that the prior existence of mobilization processes in the region led to the involvement of civil society in the construction and implementation of its Advisory Council, structuring it in terms of representativeness and political parity. Obviously this did not happen without conflicts, but, in general, we argue that this council has guaranteed social plurality with regard to the representation of civil society and ensuring democratic processes in environmental management.
Keywords:
Environmental Stewardship; Social Engagement; Preservational Units