THE STUDY OF LANDSCAPE AND ITS SYMBOLIC MEANINGS FOR THE RIVERSIDE POPULATION OF THE PINA BASIN IN THE VICINITY OF THE RIOMAR SHOPPING MALL: CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PIBID (IFPE-RECIFE)

Abstract

The article “The Study of Landscape and Its Symbolic Meanings for the Riverside Population of the Pina Basin in the Vicinity of RioMar Shopping Mall” aims to analyze the concept of landscape based on the perception of riverside residents of the Pina River, in Recife, relating it to the education of undergraduate students in the Geography Teacher Education Program within the scope of PIBID (IFPE–Recife). The research adopts a qualitative approach based on action-research methodology and employed theoretical studies, semi-structured interviews with ten community residents, a field class, and the technique of photogeography. Grounded mainly in Denis Cosgrove’s theoretical framework, the study understands landscape as a cultural construction, imbued with symbolic meanings resulting from the relationship between society and nature. The results indicate that the Pina River is perceived as a source of survival for residents, since fishing constitutes the community’s main economic activity, which is marked by a low level of formal education. Regarding RioMar Shopping Mall, opinions diverged: some participants highlighted leisure benefits, while others emphasized environmental impacts, such as pollution and the reduction of fish and shellfish, as well as the lack of significant local job creation. It is concluded that the study of landscape, articulated with fieldwork and dialogue with the community, contributes to a critical, reflective teacher education connected to social reality.