Diagnóstico e zoneamento ambiental da RPPN Osvaldo Timóteo, Alagoas: um ensaio de proposta para criação do seu plano de manejo

Abstract

This study aims to present an environmental diagnosis and zoning of the Private Natural Heritage Reserve Osvaldo Timóteo (RPPN Osvaldo Timóteo), located at Fazenda Santa Maria, in the municipality of São José da Laje, Alagoas, Brazil, with the purpose of developing a preliminary proposal for the creation of its Management Plan. The reserve area is of great ecological importance, playing a crucial role in conserving local biodiversity and maintaining the environmental balance of the region, particularly considering its inclusion within the Murici Environmental Protection Area. To conduct this study, methodological procedures were adopted based on field surveys and analyses of the reserve's physical, biological, and socioeconomic characteristics. The following were utilized: (a) an environmental diagnosis of the reserve carried out systematically from June to December 2018, including the analysis of data and secondary information from its Technical Inspection Report produced by the Institute for the Environment of the State of Alagoas in 2007 and bibliographic research on the subject, and (b) the Methodological Guidelines for the Development of Management Plans for Private Natural Heritage Reserves of the Chico Mendes Institute for Conservation in 2015. The environmental diagnosis made it possible to identify the natural resources present in the reserve, such as fauna, flora, water bodies and soil quality, in addition to the main environmental pressure factors in the area, such as human activities that can affect its ecosystem. Based on the information collected, the environmental zoning of the Reserve was carried out, taking into account its state of conservation, dividing the area into zones and their management programs/projects: (a) Protection Zone (Protection Program, Inspection and Research Program with the Exotic Species Control Project); (b) Administration Zone (Administration Program and the Architectural Project of the Visitor Center and Creation of the Visual Identity of the RPPN); (c) Visitation Zone (Visitation Program and Interpretive Trails Project) and the (d) Zone of Recovery (Exotic Species Control and Degraded Areas Recovery Project). This zoning is essential for guiding the future environmental management of the reserve and its preservation, conservation, and restoration activities. The preliminary proposal for the Management Plan includes actions aimed at mitigating environmental impacts, promoting ecotourism, and fostering environmental education through specific programs tailored to each zone. It also encourages the active participation of the local community. The implementation of this plan seeks to ensure the preservation of biodiversity, strengthen the management of the protected area, and contribute to promoting the region's sustainable development, thereby aiding in the conservation of natural heritage and improving the quality of life for its population.