The relationship of a population with the riparian ecosystem contribution for environmental education

This study addresses the understanding of attitudes and behaviors towards a river by residents in a rural Mediterranean climate region in southern Portugal to provide background information for environmental education programs. We developed and administered a questionnaire using an attitudinal scale and questions on self-reported behaviors. Our results have shown a strong link between behaviors and the population professional activities. Concerning the relation between the attitudes and the behaviors the data reveal attitudes of more responsibility for the quality of river in the younger and more educated people. More significantly, we found the concept of,environmental quality' needed for a clarification to improve understanding and communication among various segments of the public to enhance the success of riparian protection programs.