Diagnóstico socioambiental para criação de unidade de conservação em estrela do Sul, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Protected areas play a crucial role in protecting ecosystems and combating climate change. These areas are designated to preserve sociobiodiversity and natural resources, ensuring the maintenance of genetic quality, biota flow, and the provision of ecosystem services. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to assess the potential for creating a protected area in the Balneário Dona Beija area, located in Estrela do Sul (MG). The research highlighted that this area, in addition to being an important historical and environmental heritage site, holds great potential to stimulate the bioeconomy of local tourism, emphasizing the importance of its conservation and proper management. The area characterization was conducted using geospatial data and bibliographic research, addressing aspects of the region's biotic, physical, and anthropic environments. Five field expeditions were carried out for characterization and qualitative collection of primary data, employing the Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) methodology to survey the local fauna and flora. The study included walks along existing trails, where identified species were recorded. Based on the field diagnosis and satellite imagery, zoning of the study area was proposed following the guidelines of the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC). To measure the environmental value and establish interpretive points along the trails, the IAPI (Indicators of Attractiveness of Interpretive Points) methodology was applied, identifying ten points considered the most attractive and reinforcing the need to protect these landscapes. Additionally, a survey conducted with 50 residents via Microsoft Forms sought to understand the population’s perception of creating a protected area in the municipality. The results showed broad support for the establishment of the protected area. During the rapid ecological assessment, 33 flora species and 23 fauna species were identified. Notable flora species include Swietenia macrophylla, classified as "vulnerable," Handroanthus impetiginosus, and Zeyheria tuberculosa, both "near threatened," as well as the fauna species Crax fasciolata, also "vulnerable." These findings underscore the importance of conserving the area. The proposed zoning divided the area into 12 management zones according to the characteristics of each site. The IAPI method highlighted the 10 most attractive interpretive points along the trail, further emphasizing the need to protect these sites and promote nature interpretation for socio-environmental education. Based on the results, it was concluded that Balneário Dona Beija presents ideal conditions for the creation of a protected area, in accordance with SNUC, enabling the sustainable development of tourism in the region.