Let the parks be our homes: the fight for the re-categorization of Ecological Station of Jureia-Itatins The definition of conservation strategies based on the creation and management of protected natural areas has always been influenced by the debate between preservationists and conservationists. Since their beginning the conservation units in Brazil show many changes in posture, especially in the relationship between government agencies and local community. These changes sort from the violent actions in the name of preservation until the participative management of these areas. However, in many cases, local actors find it difficult to exercise effective participation, especially in decision-making process, due to the dominance of the preservationist perspective in the debate. The study area of this research is Juréia Itatins Ecological Station, Integral Protection Conservation Unit, located between the southern coast of São Paulo and Vale do Ribeira, in which there are human populations. These populations are fighting against the preservationist model for more than 20 years; they are trying a recategorization of some areas into Sustainable Development Reserves, which combine human permanence and conservation of natural resources. This research aimed to study the process of the dispute scenery over the implementation of the first Juréia Itatins mosaic, and the articulations that followed its judicial. These articulations were held to create a new mosaic, mainly about social participation in decision making process. The research methods used were: the Situational Analysis, with the arena concept as an axis for data integration. Interviews were also held and participant observation was conducted. It was found that preservationist attitudes still prevail in the decision making process. The consequent non effective involvement of the local stakeholders in the definition of the new mosaic project could perpetuate some conflicts that prevent the real conservation of this area. Conservation units can play a significant role in the context of our society towards the social re-appropriation of nature and the construction of sustainable societies; inter aligning both technical and people knowledge toward a common goal.