This book analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of conservation strategies associated with urban /peri-urban forest remnants in Brazil. It specifically investigates how social actors' representations and values related to the natural world may contribute to or hinder conservation efforts by taking a case study approach of Mata of Santa Genebra, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The book investigates how the Mata of Santa Genebra gained the status of a conservation area and how scientific discourse was applied not to only as basis for the conservation process but also for the management of the area as well as its role in shaping social values towards the conservation of forest remnants. Further, it provides guidelines for environmental education programs aimed at enhancing conservation outcomes under a democratic and participatory perspective.