Conservation assumptions and development in Brazilian Cerrado - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v35i1.12480

Abstract

This study reviews the debate concerning socioeconomic impacts of established protected areas on local populations. On one side, there are those who defend the idea that protected areas may assist in poverty reduction by generating alternative sources of income, and on the other hand, those who argue just the opposite, due to the eminent expropriation of the land. Thus, the relationship between protected areas and poverty is evaluated through development indexes (Human Development Index and Gini Coefficient) and by contrary assumptions. Through a disaggregated analysis method of “strict protected” and “sustainable use”, the proposal was to evaluate, in the context of Brazilian Cerrado, if the presence of protected areas has influence on the local social conditions, and which protection methods have the greatest effect. In this evaluation, it was verified that despite the heterogeneity of income distribution, the municipalities with integrally protected areas of indirect-use have higher values of human development than those of direct-use.