| Summary: | The purpose of this study is to analyse the colonos’ social representations in Botuverá (SC), concerning the use of the margins of the water courses and the meanings of exotic forestry species planting (eucalyptus, above all) in their rural establishments. Examining the heart of peasantry values in general and, in particular, the values expressed by the colonos, we found that the margins of water courses are considered as productive areas for the family. On the other hand, the planting of exotic forestry species appears with more intensity in the rural establishments where the above-mentioned peasant values do not greatly influence the decision-making process, as well as in those establishments that do not exclusively depend on the use of the land. We have concluded that the strategies for environmental preservation should take into account the family farmer’s practical needs and symbolic aspects, creating joint alternatives of conservative use, valuing the fact that there was a greater interest in preserving the biodiversity in the establishments where the peasant categories were more evident.
Key-words: Family farming; Riparian vegetation; Permanent preservation areas.
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