GAULEJAC'S MANAGEMENT LOGIC APPLIED TO THE MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL SPACES

Abstract

The expansion of nature-based tourism in recent decades has revealed both the economic potential of activities in natural environments and the environmental threats that arise when their exploitation is guided exclusively by market interests. This study analyzes how managerialist logic, as described in Gestão como doença social, manifests itself in the management of natural trails, identifying the socio-environmental impacts resulting from the absence of environmental responsibility. The research aimed to critically examine the exploitation of nature trails from a managerialist perspective, highlighting its environmental and social consequences, and proposing guidelines for sustainable management that balance recreational use, environmental preservation, and benefits for local communities. The methodological approach was qualitative, based on a bibliographic review of interdisciplinary sources, integrating concepts from environmental sciences, tourism, and social management. The results indicate that the absence of a long-term management plan compromises ecosystem integrity, reinforces competitive and short-term dynamics, and marginalizes local populations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining the cultural and ecological coherence of trails, ensuring they remain as spaces of connection between society and nature rather than mere short-term commodities.