ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN QUILOMBOLAS COMMUNITIES

m This study aimed to understand the reality of the "quilombola" community, evaluating their successes and their needs, looking for community awareness regarding the importance of environmental preservation, as well as its correlation with the health and quality of life for residents of the Passo do Maia, located in Formigueiro city, in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The first step came from analysis and interpretation of different approaches to the topic found in references, both in relation to the historical formation of "quilombola" communities, and in specific works on the environment, environmental preservation and proper disposal of household waste. The second stage was based on information gathered from interviews and questionnaires administered to community residents. Among the main problems of environmental degradation in the community, there is the pollution of waters and soils due to the improper disposal of domestic waste, which are often deposited in the environment. You can improve the surroundings, based on appropriate practices in relation to household waste produced in the community, such as separating waste, and organics can or should be buried in order to be used as organic fertilizer in their gardens in the existing location. Awareness among community residents on the issue of environmental preservation is possible, as demonstrated willingness to adopt new habits more environmentally healthy, with the use of pedagogical practices of environmental education.