Impactos do uso da terra na área de proteção ambiental do Catolé e Fernão - Alagoas - Brasil, no período de 2008 a 2018 : causas, conseqüências e ações ambientais

Abstract

The acronym APA stands for Área de Proteção Ambiental (Environmental Protection Area), a category of Conservation Unit (UC) in Brazil aimed primarily at ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources while balancing environmental preservation with human activities. APAs are regulated by Federal Law No. 9,985/2000, which established the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC). This study focuses on the impacts of land use in the APA of Catolé and Fernão Velho, located in the state of Alagoas. The general objective of the research was to analyze the impacts of land use in this APA during the period from 2008 to 2018. The investigation is based on concepts associated with Conservation Units and the use of geotechnologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing for satellite image analysis. These tools enabled the mapping of land use and changes in vegetation cover identified by previous studies, facilitating the assessment of the resulting impacts. The methodology included the analysis of georeferenced data and fieldwork to identify areas impacted by human land use and remnants of native vegetation. The methodological procedures for producing the mappings were carried out using geoprocessing techniques applied through the Vista S.A.G.A. – 2007 program LAGEOP/U.F.R.J), utilizing the Criar RSA, Visualiza, and Assinatura modules. The results indicate a significant reduction in sugarcane cultivation and, more notably, in forest remnants due to urbanized areas, leading to habitat fragmentation and, consequently, biodiversity loss and environmental quality degradation. Nevertheless, the remaining native vegetation, such as Ombrophilous Forests (Atlantic Forest), Cerrado, and pioneer formations in fluvial-lacustrine and fluvial-marine systems, continues to play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystems. The research concludes that the APA of Catolé and Fernão Velho faces serious challenges in maintaining its natural resources. To address these challenges, an integrated environmental management approach is necessary, aligning economic development, sustainable use, preservation, conservation, and the recovery of degraded areas. Finally, this study underscores the importance of continuous environmental monitoring and the formulation of effective public policies to protect environmentally sensitive areas, contributing to sustainable planning for this and similar regions in Brazil.