Local knowledge of biodiversity has been applied in support of research focused on utilizing and management of natural resources and promotion of conservation. Among these resources, Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess.) is important as a source of income and food for communities living in the Cerrado biome. In Pontinha, a "quilombola" community, which is located in the central region of State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, an ethnoecological study about Pequi was conducted to support initiatives for generating income for this community. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and crossing. The most relevant uses of Pequi were family food (97%), soap production (67%), oil production (37%), medical treatments (17%), and trade (3%). Bees were the floral visitors with the highest Salience Index (S=0.639). Among frugivores that feed on unfallen fruits, birds showed a higher Salience (S=0.359) and among frugivores who use fallen fruits insects were the most important (S=0.574). Borers (folivorous caterpillars) that attack trunks and roots were the most common pests cited. According to the respondents, young individuals of Pequi are the most affected by fire due to their smaller size and thinner bark. Recognition of the cultural and ecological importance of Pequi has mobilized the community, which has shown interest in incorporating this species as an alternative source of income.Keywords: Cerrado, traditional communities, ethnoecology, income. Conhecimento tradicional e usos de

The giant earthworm, Rhinodrilus alatus (Righi 1971), has been captured in the southeastern Brazilian Cerrado biome for approximately 80 years and used as bait for amateur fishing throughout Brazil. Local knowledge and traditional extraction practices are crucial for the establishment of management strategies for the species because, although its extraction involves conflicts and social and environmental impacts, the species is one of the major sources of income for approximately 3,000 people, especially for members of an Afro-descendant community that has approximately 2,000 inhabitants. Participatory tools, such as seasonal calendar, transect walks and participatory maps, were individually or collectively used with extractors and traders (former extractors), and 129 semi-structured and unstructured interviews were conducted with the same individuals between 2005 and 2012. The capture of Rhinodrilus alatus was observed in different seasons and areas of occurrence of the species in 17 municipalities, where this giant earthworm is the only species extracted for trade. All information obtained was verified by community members in 17 meetings. The extractors have an extensive knowledge of the life history, behavior, distribution, and possible impacts of climate change on the species. Different capture techniques, which have different impacts, are used during the dry and rainy seasons and are passed by the extractors through the generations. Local knowledge contributed to the establishment of agreements for the use of capture techniques that have less impact, to the expansion of scientific knowledge and the reassessment of the conservation status of Rhinodrilus alatus. The present study may serve as an example for management projects for other giant earthworm species in other regions of Brazil and in other countries.

<p>Neste trabalho, analisamos os discursos referentes à Educação Ambiental (EA) em um recurso didático chamado “Protocolo para avaliação da saúde de rios e lagoas”. Apresentamos o projeto Pampulha Limpa, que utilizou o recurso didático analisado em suas atividades com crianças em fase de escolarização básica. Assumimos uma perspectiva integradora do enfoque Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade (CTSA) com a EA para analisar os sentidos atribuídos à EA no recurso didático. A partir das discussões do enfoque CTSA, apontamos como as relações da atividade científica com as questões ambientais se constituem e se essa produção científica contempla discussões que associam aspectos entre a ciência e a sociedade. Os resultados apontam discursos referentes à EA exclusivamente associados à atividade científica, afastados das relações e implicações com a sociedade. Apontamos o enfoque CTSA como uma possibilidade de articular a atividade científica com outras áreas do saber, permitindo uma visão mais ampla dos conhecimentos científicos diante das questões ambientais.<strong></strong></p>