TERRITORY AND SUSTAINABILITY: A RESPONSIBILITYQUESTION?

Abstract

In recent years, concern about the sustainability is further intensified, in the context of public policies with a territorial approach, considering socio-economic problems and environmental orientations. Thus the aim of this study is to examine the meaning of sustainability, through qualitative research, which made use of the Test of Free Word Association, considering the perceptions of members of Development Collegiate of Territory of Alto Sertão Sergipano. According to the results, the word sustainability was associated with "responsibility", "compromise", "respect" and "partnerships", with emphasis on the collective and in some dimensions of sustainability, through education, but also with conservation of the environment and quality of life, beyond growth and harmony with the environment. We conclude that sustainability is perceived by counselors as an integrator concept, focusing on responsibility to the environment and human valorization, through environmental rationality and greening of society.