Etnobotanica e etnozoologia em unidades de conserva？？o: Uso da biodiversidade na apa de genipabu, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

the sustainable use of natural resources by local populations must be based on an understanding of the relationships between humans and their environment. in this context, the present study analyzed aspects of the interactions between human populations and the biodiversity found in the genipabu environmental protection area (apa-genipabu), coast of the state of rio grande do norte, brazil. a total of 60 open interviews were carried out in three communities established within the apa-genipabu, with questions designed to inquire aspects of their general perception of the area and their knowledge and use of the local biodiversity. approximately 82% of the residents do not fully understand the concepts behind creating a conservation area. the interviewees identified 97 plants species (belonging to 48 families) and 172 animals (131 vertebrates and 41 invertebrates), including three animal species considered endangered in brazil. useful species were most often cited. among the positive perceptions of the apa-genipabu, interviewees cited the importance of preserving the sand dunes, animals, plants and lakes, and maintaining the natural landscape to attract tourism. in order to improve conservation strategies in the protection area it will be important to build on the positive aspects of the reserve that were cited by the local population and provide these people with more information about its conservation goals.