Socio-economic levels and environmental perception in a small town in Argentina

Summary In order to determine the environmental problems as perceived by the community of Luján (Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina), a survey was carried out. The relationship between environmental perception and socio-economic level was also studied. The most important problems reported by the community were the floods, which occur when the Luján river overflows its banks, and the contamination of this river as it flows through Luján city. Deficiencies in the tourist infrastructure were also considered to be serious. The least perceived problem was that of industrial air pollution. Positive correlations between environmental perception, socio-economic standing and levels of instruction were observed.Claudia Feijoó is a Lecturer in Ecology at the National University of Luján. Her research interests are in environmental perception and ecology of rivers and polluted waters. Prof. Fernando Momo is Professor of Ecology at the same University. His research interests are focused on theoretical ecology and ecological modelling, especially as applied to aquatic ecology.