O potencial do museu de ciências naturais da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa no desenvolvimento sustentável do município e região dos Campos Gerais do Paraná.

Abstract

Created from two extension projects (Geodiversity in Education and Zoology in Focus), that involved the themes of geodiversity and biodiversity since 2011, the Museum of Natural Sciences (MCN) of the State University of Ponta Grossa began to be conceived, in 2019. It is an exhibition space of important collection, and stage for the integration of research, teaching and extension in nature sciences. This research seeks to recognize the potentialities of MCN actions that may affect the sustainable development of the municipality of Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais region, based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – proposed in the 2030 Agenda, by the United Nations – UN. The absence of official guidance guidelines in Brazil was identified, which could guide museums in practices and services aimed at meeting the 2030 Agenda in its social, environmental, economic and cultural pillars. To generate the information and carry out the analyses, we opted for qualitative exploratory research, based on bibliographic consultations and application of semi-structured forms, based on parameters and sustainability indicators for museums, suggested by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), applied to visitors and researchers linked to the MCN. Although recently inaugurated, the MCN stems from more than ten years of experience of extension projects and the results of this research pointed out that the museum enters the cultural scene of the municipality, as an active institution in strategies of sustainable territorial development. A potential impact is pointed out in the different spheres (environmental, social, economic and cultural) for the municipality and region and that the existence of the MCN effectively focuses on territorial relations, towards the fulfillment of the SDGs. The results also indicate that among the main contributions are: promoting quality education; collaborating with the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity; raising awareness about life in water; promoting actions capable of generating more sustainable cities and communities. The collection on display is an important instrument for valuing regional natural heritage, research and dissemination in natural sciences and the environment, besides representing an important development in the evolution of regional tourism. Due to the structural characteristics and potential raised, the MCN presents itself as an effective agent of social transformation for Ponta Grossa and the Campos Gerais region, based on the UN Agenda 2030 directives.