Evolução do uso e cobertura do solo, com foco nas Áreas de Preservação Permanente na Bacia Hidrográfica do Bonfim, Petrópolis - Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

A historical analysis of the use and land cover is important information for understanding the processes of landscape evolution. With the definition of patterns we can analyze, understand and discuss better the changes, proposing the best strategies for conflict resolution and for territorial planning towards a more sustainable development. The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of the use and occupation of land, especially within the Permanent Preservation Areas in the higher part of Hydrographic Basin of “Bonfim”, Petrópolis in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Through photo-interpretation of images between the years of 1965 and 2010, treated in GIS (Geographic Information System) environment, we observe the steady growth of urban areas, and the significant increase of the area used for agriculture within the studied area. This is due to historical socioeconomic characteristic of the region that continues today, being a reference in agricultural products of diverse cultures. Besides being a key place for the maintenance of ecological corridors between plant fragments and protected areas, the studied area has 46,8% of its area covered by forest in middle or advanced stage of succession. Still on the areas protected by Federal Law, Areas of Permanent Preservation (APPs) represent 37.35% of 1876.78 hectares of the study area. Among these, the areas that protect water courses and springs suffered more with the urban expansion and agricultural crops during the study period. Currently 20.85 hectares are for use or have anthropogenic origin (urban areas, agriculture areas or roads) and about 125 homes are within the range of 30 meters of protected areas for watercourses ( APPs ) , which represents an imminent risk for the population , taking into account the floods caused by extreme events in recent years in the mountain region. Reforestation projects in these areas are recommended in order to maintain ecosystem services, as well as safety and well-being of population and the maintenance of natural capital. In conclusion, mapping the use and occupation of the last 45 years in the scale of 1: 10000, provides information for understanding the dynamics of the landscape based on principles of Geoecology, generating resources for planning and land management of Hydrographic Basin of the river “Bonfim” in a more sustainable viewpoint.