Land use conflicts in Permanent Preservation Areas in the municipality of Presidente Epitácio, state of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) play an essential role in environmental stability, maintenance of life, protection and conservation of natural resources. Despite the legal protection, the minimum regulated parameters are not observed. Given this context, this study has as main objective to identify and analyze land use conflicts in APP, in the municipality of Presidente Epitácio, state of São Paulo, considering Federal Law nº 12727, of October 17, 2012 as a criterion, which provides for the protection of native vegetation in Brazil, in force. For the development of the research, a bibliographic survey was carried out; land cover and use mapping; identification of land use conflicts in APP using GIS techniques and field work. The results indicated areas that should be destined to APP are occupied by other classes such as pasture; discovered area; temporary and permanent farming; sugar cane farming; forestry; land uses associated with mining and urbanized area. The identified scenario was worrisome, with several watercourses lacking APP, or in insufficient conditions to protect water bodies against erosive processes, silting and contamination, making it difficult to increase the infiltration of rainwater and maintenance and recharge of groundwater.