INDEX OF NATURAL RESILIENCE IN WATERSHEDS. THE CASE OF THE POTI RIVER LOW COURSE

Abstract

The process of appropriation of natural resources has occurred without respecting their physical-natural characteristics and resilience. In this regard, the determination of a Natural Resilience Index (NRI) constitutes a relevant tool for environmental conservation and management. This study aimed to develop an index to identify the natural resilience capacity of the Poti river low stream (PRLS) based in aspects of declivity, temperature, soil types, vegetation and hydric resources, associating them to the activities developed by the population, which are considered pressure indicators for the resilience increase or low. To achieve this, the Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to the interpretation of the area and elaboration of the NRI through the fuzzy technique of the ArcMap 10.3. The time analysis of the NRI of PRLS has been an effective tool for environmental management, to give a diagnose of the basin in order to assist the actions that promote the environmental resilience. In the urban area, the NRI demonstrated itself regressive, from low to very low ratings, however, in the urban area the results were from moderate to high in front of the usage instructions and soil occupation.