Paisagem e recursos hídricos em Uberlândia-MG: as (im) possibilidades da canoagem de águas brancas no Rio das Pedras

Abstract

Whitewater canoeing has suffered negative impacts due changes in whitewater rivers in the Cerrado, Triângulo Mineiro. Those changes are mainly related to the use of the main rivers in that area by hydroelectric system, agrobusiness, and industrial and domestic use. Among them, the installation of dams in the watercourse of the river has the most negative impact on canoeing practice, as dams create an artificial control of watercourse flow which prevents the formation of whitewater, waves and specifi places to the practice of this activity. In the region of Uberlândia it is possible to find rivers with features that allow the practice of canoeing, especially those belonging to the area of the Araguari hydrographic basin. The aim of this study was to analyze the potentiality of Rio das Pedras to the practice of whitewater canoeing, considering the use of this rive and its economic use for the area. A bibliographical review was realized, and then the data was collected through canoeing in the Rio das Pedras and other rivers in Uberlandia area. Using these and other metodology it was possible to map the areas in Rio das Pedras that still have features which allow canoeing practice. A socioeconomic description of this area was realized as well. The Rio das Pedras has a significative condition to its use for canoeing, and a complete description about the pros and cons for this practice in that area are discussed in the study. It is concluded that whitewater canoeing is almost absent in rivers of Uberlândia area, scpecially in those rivers where the landscape was changed. However, in Rio Claro and especially in Rio das Pedras, canoeing would have positive features to be realized. It is importante to stress that the practice of canoeing in these rivers should happen only if the areas keep being preserved in balance with economic activites that exist in the surrounding of those areas.