Reserva particular do patrimônio natural (RPPN) Cachoeira da Sucupira – Uberlândia-MG: A (in)gestão desta Unidade de Conservação envolvendo a bacia do rio Uberabinha

Abstract

The present study discusses the current physical and environmental characteristics of Reserva Particular de Patrimônio Natural (RPPN) [Private Reserve of Natural Heritage] “Cachoeira da Sucupira”, located at the Uberabinha River drainage basin, in the municipality of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais state. It was developed through theoretical basis and historical contextualization of the State’s interference in conservation areas (Unidades de Conservação - UC), preceding the creation of the Sistema Nacional de Unidades de Conservação (SNUC) [National System of Conservation Units], which highlights the RPPN as a protected area of private property, recognized by Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA) [Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Sources] within a national scope, and by Instituto Estadual de Florestas (IEF) [State Institute of Forests], at State level. The difficulties encountered in the maintenance of this UC are discussed, and whether the RPPN’s proprietor, the applicable legislation on protected areas, and the environmental authorities are taking effective action towards its conservation. The compliance with the laws that regulate its protection is then questioned, as well as how the UC’s current preservation condition is portrayed and whether its relevance as part of the public water supply system is emphasized. Outside the conservation area, this work demonstrates the significance of the Uberabinha River basin and appoints its water quality and quantity as at imminent risk, due to soil and territory usage in the region since the advances in agrotechnical practices initiated during the seventies, which led to serious environmental consequences in the surrounding areas. The discussion adopts environmental, social, historical and cultural data on the creation of the RPPN, through field visits, bibliographic research and direct search for information with public authorities and individuals responsible for or involved in the UC’s creation, or who are currently responsible for it, such as Departamento Municipal de Água e Esgoto (DMAE) [Municipal Department of Water and Sewage], the company Savana Ventura, Eduardo Bevilaqua, the author of the RPPN establishment project, and the current proprietors of Fazenda Sucupira, the Cadelca siblings. Despite the presence of environmental authorities in the Uberlândia municipality, it is evident that what remains prominent is the inadequacy of public and private initiatives that respect and care for the RPPN and the basin in which it is located, even though it is of utmost importance, locally and regionally. Therefore, the study proposes that the territory becomes acknowledged as a network of political, cultural and structural relations, which promotes social interaction with the sustainability of the natural patrimony, aiming to achieve the goal that was set by the creation of the UC. For this to be accomplished the authorities’ attention is needed, to guarantee the execution of the UC’s management plan as required by legislation, and to demand action from the proprietors, who owe to society the fulfilling of their lifetime duties, acquired collectively with Fazenda Sucupira, where the RPPN is located.