SOCIEDADE & NATUREZA Journal is published by the Instituto de Geografia of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, being a vehicle for recording and scientific dissemination, its objectives are: publish unpublished critical review works on a topic pertinent to Geography and related areas or the result of research of an empirical nature, experimental or conceptual; encourage the exchange of experience in their specialty with other institutions, national or foreign, that maintain similar publications; defend and respect the principles of pluralism of philosophical, political and scientific ideas. There are no costs for authors regarding the submission and publication of articles (article processing charges (APCs) / article submission charges).
Authors hold the Copyright for articles published in this journal, and the journal holds the right for first publication. Because they appear in a public access journal, articles are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (BY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Mapping and Analysis of the Landscape Units in the Brazilian Humid Tropics: An Integrated Study in the Municipality of Rio Claro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
The Serra do Mar mountain system, which is a fundamental region for Atlantic Forest, has high environmental and geomorphological relevance for the southeast of Brazil. It is a territory that is characterized by an intense morphoclimatic dynamic, topographic contrasts, and recurrent hydrogeomorphological events. Despite these particularities, there is a lack of detailed studies and systemic cartographic production aimed at fully understanding its landscapes and its dynamic. The present study aims to carry out mapping and cartographic analysis of the landscape units in the municipality of Rio Claro, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in the Fluminense area of the Serra do Mar. The adopted methodology was based on the integration of physical-geographic and socioenvironmental variables – precipitation, mean annual temperatures, lithology, altitude, slope, relief forms, land use and coverage, and soil types – through geoprocessing and spatial analysis techniques. This approach enabled the mapping of the landscape units on three hierarchical levels, enabling understanding of their structure, dynamic, and inter-relations. The resulting cartographic synthesis constitutes a detailed representation of the landscape and offers a consistent basis for future studies aimed at hydrogeomorphological risk analysis, environmental planning, and territorial planning. Furthermore, by enabling the transition of more generic data to a level of detail compatible with the municipal scale, the employed methodology demonstrates high potential for replicability in other areas of the Serra do Mar and in regions with similar climatic and morphostructural conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marcelo Costa, Eduardo Salinas Chavez, Rafael Martins Brito, Andréa Aparecida Zacharias, Marcilene dos Santos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Paradox of Social Capital in Mangrove Conservation: Evidence from Indonesia's Border Island
Indonesia is an archipelago, and some of its islands are located on the border and in remote areas, far from city centers. Therefore, the state's presence among them is often limited. Similarly, mangrove conservation often relies on community initiatives. Meanwhile, studies on social capital are often considered positive. In fact, social capital has a dual nature. Therefore, this research analyzes the dual nature of social capital on Rupat Island, Indonesia, the outermost island on the border between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The island is planned to be crossed by a bridge connecting two countries, Indonesia and Malaysia. This study employs a qualitative narrative approach, engaging conservation group members and government officials selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and observations to understand the subjective meaning of social protection mechanisms. The results reveal a paradox: strong bonding social capital, rooted in Javanese ethnic kinship, successfully resisted erosion and land conversion by companies but created exclusivity. Weak social bonds and bridges have isolated the surrounding Malay ethnic groups and only produced symbolic legitimacy. This study highlights the "dark side" of social capital, demonstrating that while independent internal brotherhood serves as a survival mechanism, the absence of inclusive networks and state support makes governance fragile and socially fragmented. Ultimately, this research suggests that the government must move beyond physical aid and act as a bridging institution to integrate diverse community groups for sustainable conservation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rina Susanti, Achmad Hidir, Yoskar Kadarisman; Rahman Malik https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anthropogeomorphology and Morphological Transformations in the Água Branca River Basin, Manaus (Am)
This study analyzes the Água Branca River Basin, located in the western zone of Manaus (AM), with the objective of analyzing the morphological transformations of the basin, changes in land use and land cover between 2016 and 2024, and the environmental quality of the river. The research is situated within the context of anthropogenic impacts on Amazonian urban basins, where real estate expansion, population density, and deficiencies in urban planning have intensified environmental degradation processes. To understand the morphology of the river, field research was conducted in 2024. Land use and land cover analyses were performed using images from the PlanetScope constellation between 2016 and 2024. In addition, hypsometric and slope mapping was carried out. The results indicated that vegetation, although remaining the predominant class (68.3% in 2024), showed a 3.6% reduction compared to 2016, while urbanized areas and exposed soil increased by 1.8%. These changes reflect the intensification of human occupation, especially in the middle and lower reaches of the basin, where soil impermeability and deforestation of riparian vegetation modify the hydrogeomorphological dynamics. It is concluded that the Água Branca River Basin presents a typical scenario of urban fluvial degradation, reinforcing the need for territorial planning that integrates environmental conservation and planned urban expansion.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alan Kristian Nunes Machado, Matheus Silveira de Queiroz, Flávio Wachholz, Michel Watanabe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Geoinformation Technology in the Assessment of Children's Mobility in Urban Areas: from the Planned to the Informal City
The article presents the use of geoinformation technologies to support the spatial analysis of the suitability of urban roads for independent child mobility, aiming to understand the differences in opportunities between planned areas of the city and unplanned areas, the latter being an example of social vulnerability. The case studies are developed in connected areas in Belo Horizonte, with the first being the traditional planned city and the second a section of a favela and its surroundings. It explores models of Multicriteria Analysis by Weights of Evidence and Sensitivity Analysis to Suitability Evaluation. Based on the careful selection of analysis variables, supported by an extensive literature review on the subject, thematic maps are created, which characterize each occupation condition, according to physical characteristics, presence of infrastructure, types of use, and human occupation of space. Once the maps have been created with the initial variables, the collection is integrated for the spatial representation of the level of spatial vulnerability, and the levels of uncertainty in the spatial distributions are evaluated. The result is the identification of the planned area as more conducive to child development, in comparison to the social vulnerability area. The approach presents defensible and reproducible criteria for other future case studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Clara Mourão Moura, Christian Rezende Freitas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Hydrosedimentological Connectivity in Watersheds: A Review of Concepts, Methods, and Models
The increasing application of numerical models and indices has significantly expanded the understanding of hydrosedimentological connectivity in river basins, as it allows the representation of the dynamics of water and sediment redistribution and the assessment of the effects of land use and land cover changes. This study presents a systematic review of the main concepts, methods, and models employed in the analysis of hydrosedimentological connectivity, highlighting the evolution of mathematical modeling from classical theoretical formulations to the incorporation of computational tools widely used in the scientific literature. Among the models discussed, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), the Topographic Model (TOPMODEL), and MIKE 11 stand out, among others, evidencing their applications, potentialities, and limitations in the simulation of hydrosedimentological processes. In addition, connectivity indices are analyzed, with emphasis on the Index of Connectivity (IC), widely applied in estimating the potential transfer of sediments between different landscape compartments and within geomorphological units. Finally, the importance of validating models and indices through field observations and empirical data is emphasized, reinforcing the complementarity between computational modeling and experimental investigation for the advancement of geomorphological, hydrological, and hydrosedimentological studies in river basins, contributing to the improvement of environmental planning and integrated water resources management.
Copyright (c) 2025 Adonai Felipe Pereira de Lima Silva, Jonas Otaviano Praça de Souza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Islands within the scope of Island territories: Establishing limits for constructing a typology to classify the islands of Macaronesia
The Earth’s surface has a vast number of island territories that vary greatly in size, to the point of complicating the process of creating categories for different land areas. This article explores the proposal put forward by Depraetere and Dahl (2007; 2018) for delimiting island areas and, mainly, to arrive at a concept of islands and their categories, in order to subsequently apply this typology to the island units of Macaronesia. In this context, it is essential to determine the limits for the islet and mainland given that the concept of the island is precisely framed by these two types of island spaces. The primary objective is to discuss the concept of the island, mainly from the perspective of the size of the territories. We also set out to explain the main reasons why certain islands are not suited to human occupation. In order to achieve these objectives, we opted for a type of methodology that favoured a literature review, adapting a model for classifying reference island areas and the processing of information from statistical sources. In terms of the results, it is worth highlighting the fact that we have kept the original proposal of 10 km² as the starting point for an island territory to be considered an island. This decision allowed for 31 islands to be counted in the entire Atlantic region of Macaronesia, three of which are currently uninhabited. This type of classification does not alter the number of islands commonly recognised in the Azores and Cape Verde, although the same is not true for others. The average size of the island units varies from archipelago to archipelago and the size of the territory, while important, is never the decisive circumstance for settlement.
Fernanda Maria Silva Dias Delgado Cravidão
Copyright (c) 2025 Paulo Miguel Picanço Espínola, Fernanda Maria Silva Dias Delgado Cravidão https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sediment Production in Tropical Catchments: An Integration of USLE and Index of Connectivity in Antonina, Southern Brazil
This study analyzes sediment production and export in basins draining into Antonina Bay (PR), using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), the Connectivity Index (CI), and the Sediment Delivery Rate (SDR) to calculate an effective sediment export index (Eeffective). The study region encompasses the Cachoeira, Pequeno, Cacatu, and Faisqueira river basins, located in a fluviomarine dam area, where agricultural use is concentrated on alluvial deposits. The results indicate that the USLE predicts average losses ranging from 1.29 to 3.11 t ha-1 yr-1 per basin. In contrast, the Eeffective reduces losses by 70 to 72% (0.36 to 0.88 t ha-1 yr-1), considering retention and disconnectivity along the slopes. Low-elevation regions associated with agricultural use, particularly in the Lower Cachoeira River, are the main points of sediment production and export. The USLE, IC, and Eefetivo maps indicate that most of the transported sediment does not reach the outlet, highlighting the role of connectivity. Thus, combining estimates of potential erosion with connectivity metrics can improve the spatial representation of sediment export and guide conservation measures (no-till farming, agroforestry systems, and riparian forest restoration) to reduce coastal siltation and determine priority areas for restoration.
Copyright (c) 2025 José Guilherme de Oliveira, Leonardo José Cordeiro Santos, Rodrigo Marcos de Souza, Inocencio de Oliveira Borges Neto, Eduardo Vedor de Paula, Jaqueline Dittrich https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Do Rainfall and Water Discharge Control the Suspended Sediments Concentration in Cratonic Basins?
This study analyzed the relationship between Suspended Sediment Concentration (SSC), rainfall, and water discharge in four large basins that drain entirely cratonic areas: Negro, Branco, and Tapajós, in the Amazon basin, and Congo, in Central Africa. We analyzed 1,323 samples of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) combined with precipitation and discharge data. A combination of statistical correlation parameters, time lag analysis, and hysteresis evaluation were calculated to identify the main controls on the SSC of cratonic rivers. Results indicate strong heterogeneity in sediment dynamics among the rivers. The Branco River displayed linear relationships between SSC and hydrological variables, moderate clockwise hysteresis and no lag, confirming a hydrologically reactive system with rapid sediment mobilization. In contrast, the Negro and Tapajós Rivers showed low linear correlations and moderate to high lag values, suggesting non-linear sediment responses associated with dilution, storage and geomorphological controls. However, the Negro River exhibited moderate anticlockwise hysteresis (HI = −0.20), negative lag values and low partial correlation, suggesting delayed sediment response, floodplain storage and dilution during high flows. The Congo River exhibited strong partial correlation with rainfall but lacked hysteresis and presented long lag values (−8 to −10 months), indicating that SSC responds predominantly at interannual climatic scales rather than to annual discharge cycles. Geological differences among basins proved crucial: rivers draining deeply weathered cratonic areas (Negro, Tapajós and Congo) showed dissipated sediment signals, whereas the Branco River, partially draining erodible Quaternary deposits, exhibited strong hydrological coupling. By combining multiple approaches, the study provides a framework for understanding sediment transport in cratonic rivers and contributes to sediment budgeting, climate-change assessments and geomorphological modeling in tropical basins.
Copyright (c) 2025 Matheus Silveira de Queiroz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Emerging Risks for Children: Chemical Speciation of Metals in Urban Soils as an Environmental Diagnostic Tool
Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to health problems, due to possible direct contact with contaminated soil and the inhalation of exhaust fumes. Also, quantifying chemical species of metals in soil is essential for estimating the bioavailability of the metals in the environment. The “Capibaribe Melhor” Project launched by the City Hall of Recife – PE – Brazil includes two large parks, Santana and Caiara. The Project involves environmental education actions, construction of a pier, and squares, with the aim of revamping the Capibaribe River, the city's main body of water, drawing the attention of the local population to the need to preserve the Capibaribe River and, at the same time, offering areas for entertainment and recreation. Parks usually attract the neighboring inhabitants, but their soils contain varying amounts of toxic trace metals such as As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Pb, Ni, Sn, Zn, Mn, Si, Pb and Sc, mainly because of atmospheric pollution from vehicles' exhausting pipes. This study aims to determine the metal distribution in geochemical phases of soil in parks and presents the total concentrations of chemical elements in soils collected in parks, obtained by Energy Dispersion X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). The more toxics metals found in this study were: Al, Zn, Cu, and Pb, while the major chemical elements analyzed were Fe, K, Ca, and Si. Sequential extraction showed the presence of major metals (Mn and Fe) and minor ones (Zn and Cu), mainly in the oxidizable phase followed by the leachable or pseudo-residual phase. Only Mn is also highlighted in the leachable fraction. The results emphasize the importance of determining the chemical form of heavy metals in soil in parks to assess the availability and long-term environmental consequences of soil contamination and the effects of these new chemical pollutants that cause so-called noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Copyright (c) 2025 Vivianne Lúcia Bormann de Souza, Sandra Dias Barbosa, Suzana Oliveira Santos, Waldecy Ananias da Silva, Lorena Colliard de Farias Antas, Crescêncio Andrade Silva Filho https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Altimetric assessment of topodata in complex terrains with GNSS-RTK validation (global navigation satellite system – real-time kinematic)
This study evaluates the altimetric accuracy of the TOPODATA Digital Elevation Model (DEM), derived from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), through comparison with GNSS-RTK data in an area of high topographic variability. The analysis was conducted in Cachoeira do Lepa, located in the municipality of Canguçu, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil), a region characterized by pronounced altimetric breaks over short distances. A total of 306 georeferenced points were used, and spatial statistical analyses were applied. The results revealed systematic discrepancies, with a tendency of the TOPODATA to underestimate elevations, showing a mean bias error (MBE) of 3.15 m, mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.57 m, and root mean square error (RMSE) of 4.33 m. Spatial autocorrelation was significant (Moran’s I = 0.771; p < 0.001), reducing the effective degrees of freedom (Dutilleul: 120.4) and requiring robust tests (Brunner–Munzel: p < 0.0001; Cliff’s Delta = 0.60). Accuracy varied with elevation: low-lying areas presented an MBE of 0.75 m, while higher terrains reached 6.02 m (Kruskal–Wallis: p < 0.0001). Spatial cross-validation indicated an RMSE of 5.18 m (95% CI: 3.68–6.30 m), and Spearman’s correlation was weak (ρ = –0.077; p = 0.125). It is concluded that TOPODATA tends to underestimate elevations, with larger errors in higher terrains, limiting its reliability for micro-scale applications. The study highlights the methodological risks of using generalized DEMs in morphologically complex regions and suggests hybrid approaches supported by field data as an alternative. The findings align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the context of precision agriculture, sustainable urban planning, and climate action.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tássia Parada Sampaio, Luciano Martins Tavares, Tainara Goulart Corrêa, Larissa Aldrighi da Silva, Carolina Moraes de Souza, Lucas Simões dos Santos, Diuliana Leandro, Andréa Souza Castro, Adriano Luis Heck Simon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of Land Use and Land Cover on the Water Cycle in Ouro Preto, MG: Contributions to Water Resource Management
Water is an essential element for life, and its territorial management is crucial to ensure universal access while maintaining both quality and quantity. Poorly planned landscape interventions intensify problems such as erosion, siltation, flooding, landslides, and potable water scarcity. Among the key processes for water resource management, surface runoff and infiltration stand out, both directly influenced by land use and land cover (LULC) changes. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of LULC modifications between 2002 and 2022 on surface runoff and infiltration rates in the municipality of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Runoff coefficients were first estimated based on slope maps, soil classes, and LULC for 2002 and 2022. Subsequently, runoff maps were generated by multiplying these coefficients by average precipitation. Infiltration maps were then derived using the water balance method, subtracting runoff and evapotranspiration. Geoprocessing was conducted in a GIS environment using remote sensing data within the QGIS platform. Results indicate an increase in surface runoff and a decrease in infiltration, especially in the western, northern, and central portions of the municipality. This is concerning, as the lowest infiltration rates coincide with high-potential aquifers, threatening their recharge. Furthermore, the increase in runoff exacerbates erosion risks, particularly in the central region, where soils are highly susceptible to gully formation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lucas Mardones Gaião, Daniela Arcanjo Paiola Ferreira, Roosevelt Heldt Júnior, Paulo de Tarso Amorim Castro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Multidimensional Assessment of Women’s Empowerment in India: A Socio-Spatial Perspective Using NFHS-5 Data
Women’s empowerment plays a vital role in advancing socio-economic development and promoting gender equality. In the Indian context, empowerment is shaped by factors such as educational attainment, economic participation, access to healthcare, and decision-making capacity. However, these determinants are unevenly distributed across regions, resulting in notable socio-spatial disparities. This study draws on data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–2021) to assess regional variations in women’s empowerment across three core dimensions: freedom of mobility, autonomy in household decision-making, and attitudes toward domestic violence. To quantify these dimensions, three composite measures—the Mobility Index, Household Autonomy Index, and Domestic Violence Attitude Index—were developed and applied across states. The analysis reveals distinct regional patterns. Southern states and several northeastern states exhibit relatively high levels of household autonomy, reflecting stronger educational and socio-economic conditions. However, mobility patterns within these regions show variability: states such as Manipur and Meghalaya display high levels of women’s movement outside the home, whereas some tribal-dominated areas demonstrate restricted mobility due to traditional norms and geographical constraints. Conversely, several northern states show limited mobility despite moderate household decision-making autonomy, suggesting deeply rooted patriarchal structures that constrain women’s public presence. Attitudes toward domestic violence further highlight cultural differences, often diverging from patterns of autonomy or mobility. Acceptance of domestic violence remains comparatively higher in northern and central states, indicating persistent gender norms that hinder empowerment even when other indicators show improvement. Based on the composite indices, states were categorized into high, medium, and low empowerment levels. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa consistently ranked in the high category, reflecting comprehensive social development. Maharashtra and Gujarat demonstrated intermediate progress, while Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan remained in the low category. These spatial disparities reinforce the long-standing divide between the southern/northeastern states and the EAG/northern states, underscoring the need for region-specific policies that address structural inequalities, cultural barriers, and institutional gaps.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shrinkhla Pandey, Shubham Kumar, Gayatri Rai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Geomorphological mapping as a tool for environmental management: a case study in the municipality of São Benedito, Ceará, Brazil
Recognizing the current global situation regarding the crises caused by climate change, land use planning is seen as a tool with high potential for adapting to and mitigating the effects of such changes on natural elements, as well as a way to prevent environmental degradation (Ross, 2006). This study, aimed at supporting the planning and land use planning of São Benedito, a municipality located on the Ibiapaba Plateau in the state of Ceará, conducts geomorphological mapping based on Ross's (1992) methodology. To this end, climatic, pedological, and geological mapping is consulted, correlated with data from the last demographic census, and the forms and types of land use and occupation are analyzed through field visits. Six units with similar landform patterns were mapped for the municipality, distinguishing sixteen landform types, varying among denudational, flattened, and aggradational forms. By specifying the predominant processes in each unit, detailing relief characteristics provided by the active processes, we sought to generate knowledge about the geomorphological diversity on the Ibiapaba plateau and, above all, to support possible environmental planning initiatives in the municipality.
Copyright (c) 2024 Maria Vitória Rodrigues Lopes, Falcão https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Origin and impact of territorial enclaves from the perspective of fragmentation
The research presents new perspectives on understanding a socio-spatial process, clearly distinguishing between the center-periphery segregation pattern and the fragmentation model. This article analyzes the expansion of territorial enclaves at various scales, offering a comparative investigation of the growth and concentration of horizontal residential condominiums in major Brazilian cities. Therefore, the categories, various levels of analysis, temporal and geographical scales, types of impacts, and socio-spatial processes were defined. The terms "row house" or "condominium house" were used in the category of permanent private households in the demographic census conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in 2022. Additionally, data from the Economic Research Institute Foundation (FIPE) were utilized to identify sectors with a high concentration of horizontal residential enclaves. In this context, the socio-spatial structure of the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza has undergone significant changes due to new developments featuring physical barriers and controlled access. These changes create social distancing despite physical proximity. The study points to a reorganization of the metropolitan urban fabric towards urban fragmentation in specific sections of Fortaleza and its neighboring municipalities, Aquiraz and Eusébio. There is an emergence of diverse types of residential enclaves that offer a wide range of leisure facilities, commerce, and services within their perimeters. This provides them with significant autonomy compared to the traditional city. In this context, residential patterns are influenced by urban insecurity, which reshapes daily life and establishes new forms of social separation and physical divides.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Clélia Lustosa Costa, Fabiano Lucas da Silva Freitas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New Technologies and the Teaching of Quaternary Geomorphology at the State University of Maranhão – UEMA
Technological advances have brought countless changes to the way we see, think, and act in current society. Formal education has faced significant challenges in the face of the various changes related to generational transition of students and the advent of cyberculture. The linear views previously adopted in formal education no longer allow us to comprehend current social phenomena, or to explain the impacts of digital connectivity on society. Therefore, it is imperative that educators continuously adapt and refine their pedagogical strategies to ensure effective knowledge dissemination. This study aims to analyze the use of new educational technologies in the teaching of Quaternary Geomorphology in the undergraduate and graduate Geography courses at the State University of Maranhão. In order to achieve the proposed objective, the research was guided by the following stages: bibliographical survey, choice of educational technologies according to the subjects covered in the discipline, preparation of material for the classes and application of the technologies in the classroom. The main educational technologies used were: Geoguessr, Google Earth, Google Forms, Kahoot, LandscapAR, Nearpod, Virtual Reality Glasses, Padlet, Prezi and Wordwall. The inclusion of new educational technologies in this subject has made it more tangible and practical, with concepts that are close to reality and promote the students' creative process, which has made the subject increasingly interesting. There has been greater student attendance at classes and greater commitment to the activities, as well as real-time assessments and feedback during the online games.
Copyright (c) 2024 José Fernando Rodrigues Bezerra, Danyella Vale Barros França, Antonio José Teixeira Guerra, Maria do Carmo Oliveira Jorge https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of Tourism Centers on the Diversity of Uses, Management Practices, and Traditional Knowledge of the Buriti Palm (Mauritia flexuosa)
The sustainable use of non-timber forest products is essential for conserving biodiversity while supporting the livelihoods of traditional communities. The research was conducted in the Lençóis Maranhenses region (Maranhão State, Brazil), an area characterized by intense tourism activity and recognized as one of the main centers of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) fiber extraction in Northeast Brazil. These features make the region a privileged setting to understand: how proximity to tourism hubs affects the diversity of uses, management practices, and the preservation of traditional knowledge associated with the buriti palm? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with extractives in municipalities with different levels of access to the tourism market. The municipality with the highest tourist influx showed lower diversity of uses (16 uses; H = 60.07; p < 0.01), a predominance of commercial applications (UDV for food = 0.645), a shorter interval between leaf collections (52 days), and a higher incidence of destructive harvesting practices (33%). In contrast, municipalities less integrated into tourism routes preserved a greater diversity of uses. Management practices were predominantly non-destructive, although signs of erosion of these practices were observed in areas with moderate tourism influence. Women play a central role throughout the production chain. It is concluded that tourism, although it enhances income generation and cultural visibility, promotes economic specialization and weakens traditional knowledge, increasing the risks of unsustainable resource use. Conservation strategies should integrate the strengthening of local economies with the recognition of traditional knowledge and the regulation of resource exploitation in territories under tourism pressure.
Socioecological sustainability Ethnobotany
Copyright (c) 2024 Irlaine Rodrigues Vieira, Arika Virapongse, Jefferson Soares de Oliveira, Roseli Farias Melo de Barros https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrated Assessment of the Proliferation of Small Dams and Erosion Susceptibility: The Ivaí River Watershed, Southern Brazil
The proliferation of small dams in watersheds has raised growing concerns about their potential impacts on the connectivity of fluvial systems, particularly regarding sediment transport, flow variability, and the integrity of aquatic habitats. In this context, this study investigated the distribution of hydroelectric dams and the erosion susceptibility, using the Ivaí River Watershed, Paraná state, Brazil, as a case study to assess geomorphological implications at the watershed scale. The Ivaí River is the largest free-flowing river in Southern Brazil, and also stands out as the main unregulated tributary of the Paraná River, granting it a strategic role in maintaining the hydro-sedimentological and ecological integrity of the Upper Paraná River watershed. The analyses in the Ivaí River Watershed were conducted using cadastral data from hydroelectric projects and geoprocessing techniques based on map algebra. A total of 21 projects, either operational or approved for construction, were identified. Their drainage areas represent 13.7% of the watershed, mostly concentrated in the upper course, characterised by dissected relief, the presence of Neosols, and high rainfall indices. Currently, its main course remains free-flowing; however, studies for future projects threaten the river integrity. The overlap between areas of high geomorphological vunerability and project concentration indicates potential cumulative risks to fluvial dynamics. The results show that even smaller-scale dams, when located in sensitive areas, can disrupt fluvial connectivity and morphodynamic processes with cumulative effects. This scenario highlights the need for territorial planning policies that integrate the conservation of fluvial systems essential to maintaining ecosystem services in their decision-making.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mariana Manrique Tondati, Eduardo Souza de Morais https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Deforestation in Areas of Higher Suitability Does Not Imply Greater Productivity: The Mismatch Between Environmental and Economic Sustainability in the Cerrado
The expansion of agriculture in the Cerrado has led to the highest deforestation rates in Brazil. The conversion of these areas is not only linked to biodiversity loss and the decline of ecosystem services but also does not result in increased agricultural productivity. Considering the Matopiba region— zone of the Cerrado with the highest deforestation rate in the biome—maintaining the current deforestation rate in areas of highest agricultural productivity will lead to the disappearance of native vegetation within the next decade. This land-use conversion is not driven by economic potential, as the most suitable areas for agriculture are predominantly occupied by livestock farming, a less profitable activity, indicating allocative inefficiency. Of the total 18.17 Mha already in use within lands suitable for agriculture, 12.75 Mha are occupied by livestock farmings, with no substantial economic contribution from livestock. Given the need to maintain agricultural productivity in the face of constant market demand, it is essential to establish environmental policies that promote both economic and environmental sustainability. To ensure sustainable growth, environmental policies should leverage land suitabilitys data to boost productivity, direct agricultural financing, and enforce stricter land-use rules—shifting crop expansion from native vegetation to livestock farming conversion in high-suitability areas. Additionally, to prevent the complete elimination of the Cerrado in these areas, it is crucial to establish a higher proportion of legal reserves as a condition for granting new land-clearing licenses. Here, we suggest 60% for areas of highest agricultural suitability, compared to the 20% required by the current Forest Code (Federal Law No. 12,651 of May 25, 2012), aiming to double the lifespan of remaining native vegetation. The measures proposed here outline a pathway for maintaining and increasing the country's agricultural productivity sustainably, mitigating the major impacts of land-use change on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud Schaefer
Copyright (c) 2024 Daniel Meira Arruda, Débora Assumpção e Lima, Fabio Soares de Oliveira, Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud Schaefer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Intersection of Culture, Identity, and Urban Planning: The Case of Boa Vista, Roraima within the Amazonian Context
This research analyzed the relationships between culture, identity, and urban planning in Boa Vista, Roraima. The study was based on the idea that urban planning transcends the spatial structure of cities and influences cultural and social elements, particularly in the Amazon region. The objective was to analyze how local cultural forces and external influences influenced the urbanization process and the obstacles resulting from real estate speculation and the capitalist system. The approach was grounded in a critical analysis of the literature, encompassing research on sustainability, urban planning, and ancestral land management practices in the Amazon. This research helped to understand the connection between traditional peoples and territory, showing how accelerated urbanization negatively impacted sustainability and quality of life. The results indicated that the disorderly expansion of Boa Vista disregarded traditional knowledge, resulting in environmental degradation. The intensive exploitation of natural resources led to a decrease in biodiversity, river contamination, and the marginalization of indigenous communities. It was concluded that incorporating traditional practices into urban planning could foster a more sustainable and balanced development model. Therefore, this study highlighted the importance of urban planning that considers the environment and ancestral knowledge, balancing advancement and conservation.
Copyright (c) 2024 Raíssa Fim Almeida, Rachel Camargo de Pinho, Meire Joisy Almeida Pereira https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Same nature, different values: the relational dimension in the valuation of ecosystem services
In recent decades, the ecosystem services approach has gained prominence in the field of environmental conservation by highlighting the connection between human well-being and ecosystem functions. However, critics have pointed out that the predominance of utilitarian and monetary assessments often overlooks the sociocultural and affective values that different social groups attribute to nature. This article explores the relational dimension in the valuation of ecosystem services through the experiences of the Quilombola communities of Cafundá Astrogilda and Dona Bilina, located in the Pedra Branca State Park (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The research adopted an interpretivist and sentipensante methodology, combining action research, interviews, and territorial immersion to understand the communities’ perceptions and values regarding nature. Building on the experiences investigated, this study contends that the ecosystem services framework must transcend utilitarian and monetary paradigms. Recognizing the centrality of relational values — such as care, reciprocity, ancestry, and spirituality — in shaping these communities’ relationships with the forest is essential for advancing equitable and enduring conservation efforts. By foregrounding practices and worldviews that conceive of nature as a principle of life, a locus of spiritual connection, and a source of knowledge, this research establishes the basis for a more integrated and pluralistic approach within the field. Such a perspective not only fosters the development of fairer and more culturally grounded conservation practices but also constitutes an act of intellectual decolonization — one capable of informing social policies and institutional decision-making toward the resolution of socio-environmental conflicts through the recognition of cultural and epistemic diversity.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ingrid Almeida de Barros Pena, Helena Neri Alves Pinto, Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evapotranspiration Behavior of Eucalyptus Plantations Compared to Other Land Uses and Land Covers in the Semiarid Zone of Brazil – South America
Water consumption by evapotranspiration (ET) of eucalyptus plantations is a concern widely addressed worldwide. However, in the semiarid region of Brazil, a region characterized by recurring water deficit, there is a gap in the knowledge on the effects of eucalyptus plantations on ET dynamics. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the ET rates of eucalyptus to native forests, savannas (Cerrado), dry woodlands (caatingas), pastures, and croplands in the Brazilian semiarid region (BSR). The methodological structure followed the use of remote sensing techniques and statistical tests. From the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, monthly and annual ET images for 2022 were obtained from the MOD16A2 product. The results of this study indicated that eucalyptus had significantly higher ET rates (Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Dunn test; p-value <0.05) compared to most classes. Exceptionally, native forests (Atlantic Forest) exhibited statistically similar (p-value >0.05) water consumption to eucalyptus. Worryingly, eucalyptus, as well as crops, maintained high ET rates during the dry season in the study region. These findings may inform water planning strategies in the Brazilian semiarid region, especially by indicating environmentally sensitive areas for high-impact eucalyptus plantations, where such activity should be restricted. Thus, this study provides substantial information for more sustainable agro-environmental development in semiarid zones.
Copyright (c) 2024 Marcos Esdras Leite, Samuel Carlos Santos Marques, Lucas Augusto Pereira da Silva, Cristiano Marcelo Pereira de Souza, Mario Marcos Espirito Santo, Maria das Dores Magalhães Veloso https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Interpretive Narratives of Geoheritage: Experiences in French Geoparks
This article investigates interpretive panels at geosites in three French geoparks, aiming to understand how different narrative strategies communicate aspects of geoheritage. The research adopts a qualitative approach, based on a critical analysis of 17 panels collected in the field. The theoretical framework is grounded in the heritage typology proposed by Doumit (2007), which identifies five narrative dimensions — scientific, historical, symbolic, artistic, and sensory — along with an analytical framework encompassing four interpretive approaches: educational, communicational, discursive, and integrative. The results indicate a predominance of the scientific/natural dimension in the analyzed panels, highlighting an emphasis on technical and geological aspects. However, in some cases, there is articulation with other dimensions, such as historical, symbolic, and sensory, especially when the content relates to social practices, local memories, or cultural elements. These connections enrich the interpretive experience and provide a more contextualized reading of the territory. Regarding interpretive approaches, educational and communicational orientations prevail, focusing on technical explanations and visual resources, which help make scientific content accessible to diverse audiences but tend to limit active visitor participation. In contrast, discursive and integrative approaches — which encourage visitors to co-construct meaning and foster emotional connections to places — are less frequent, indicating an underexplored potential. The discussion proposes a reflection on the role of interpretive devices as cultural mediators of territory, emphasizing their capacity to construct meaning, promote belonging, and strengthen the relationship between communities, landscapes, and local heritage. By combining knowledge, memory, and experience, such devices can contribute to broader processes of social valorization and appropriation of geoheritage. The study also engages with Brazilian experiences and reinforces the importance of interpretive strategies that integrate multiple heritage dimensions through more sensitive and participatory approaches. It advocates for cultural mediation that promotes community involvement, a sense of belonging, and actions oriented toward sustainability, thereby enhancing the social and educational impacts of geoparks.
Copyright (c) 2024 Úrsula Ruchkys de Azevedo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Environmental Governance and Degradation Dynamics in the Cerrado – Brazilian Biome: Empirical and Institutional Evidence in the State of Tocantins
Environmental degradation in tropical biomes has become one of the main contemporary challenges, requiring integrated institutional responses based on evidence. This article analyzes the dynamics of environmental degradation in the Cerrado biome, with an emphasis on the state of Tocantins, during the period between 2013 and 2023. The investigation is based on the finding that deforestation, wildfires, and environmental infractions show significant recurrence in this territory, forming spatiotemporal patterns that demand greater institutional coordination and the strengthening of environmental governance. The research adopts a mixed methodological approach, integrating content analysis and statistical techniques, based on secondary data extracted from government websites and platforms that provide auditable and open-access data. The data were organized into time series, converted and standardized to ensure comparability among the analyzed indicators. The results highlight the significant contribution of the state of Tocantins to vegetation suppression processes in the Cerrado (Brazilian biome), both in deforested area and in burned extent, in addition to the concentration of environmental infraction notices issued in the federative unit. Limitations were also identified in the structure of administrative records, such as overlapping codifications and terminological inconsistencies, which compromise the categorization of infringing conduct. The analysis reinforces the need to strengthen environmental governance through integration among federative entities, the qualification of monitoring systems, and the formulation of territorially focused public policies based on technical evidence and aimed at the conservation of the Cerrado (Brazilian biome) ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2024 Silvânia Gonçalves de Carvalho, Daniela Mascarenhas de Queiroz Trevisan, David Prata, Diego Rodrigues, Waldecy Rodrigues, Leonardo de Andrade Carneiro, Gentil Barbosa, Marcelo Lisboa, Ana Flavia Moreira Pires https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Statistical Analysis of Bathing Water Quality Parameters in a Lagoon Influenced by Estuarine Dynamics
This study investigates Lagoa dos Patos's bathing water quality parameters, located in Pelotas, focusing on assessing the influence of estuarine conditions. Statistical analysis was conducted on water quality data from 2015 to 2022, with parameters including Escherichia coli, turbidity, organic matter, phosphorus, and chlorides. Two principal components were extracted using the Kaiser criterion and cumulative variance threshold, revealing significant correlations between chloride concentrations and various water quality parameters. The results indicate that salinity, represented by chlorides, plays a critical role in influencing water quality, particularly in brackish water conditions. Notably, Escherichia coli concentrations showed a reversal of correlation direction at higher salinity levels, suggesting potential limitations in using the microbiological indicator in estuarine environments. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of organic matter were observed in brackish water, likely due to anthropogenic inputs such as effluent discharge. These findings highlight the importance of considering alternative water quality indicators in estuarine areas, as traditional microbiological markers may not fully reflect the environmental dynamics of these systems. This study provides valuable insights for decision-makers in managing water quality and public health in coastal and estuarine regions. Furthermore, this research aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, notably Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), by improving water quality and addressing pollution. It also supports Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by examining the impact of environmental factors on coastal ecosystems, Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by highlighting the importance of water quality for public health, and Goal 13 (Climate Action) due to the influence of environmental changes on salinity.
Copyright (c) 2024 Daniele Martin Sampaio, Rubia Flores Romani, Cícero de Coelho Escobar, Pascal Silas Thue, Hartur Xavier Pinheiro, Maicon Oliveira Luiz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Territoriality and Heritage in Ibiraquera: Social Cartography of an Azorian Community
Coastal artisanal fishing communities possess an invaluable historical, cultural, and natural heritage, whose relationship with their traditional territories is not evident. Established from generation to generation, they carry with them a rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as integrating important natural features. By addressing the question "How does historical, cultural, and natural heritage express a sense of territoriality for Azorean coastal communities established in southern Brazil?", this research seeks to relate the territory to the people who live there. Thus, data were collected in the community of Ibiraquera, located on the coast of the south-central region of the state of Santa Catarina, through: (i) guided visits to record points of importance and stories; (ii) semi-structured interviews; and (iii) meetings to construct social cartography. Participants were selected using the snowball method, with Quantum Gis (QGIS) software used to create maps. By prioritizing knowledge construction from a popular, symbolic, and cultural perspective, social cartography is a participatory research method in which social actors express their territorialities, desires, and ancestry. Fishing ranches, flour mills, traditional paths, cultural events, and points of historical importance were highlighted as historical, cultural, and natural heritage sites. These assets demonstrated an intrinsic connection between the community and its traditional territories, encompassing both tangible and intangible aspects. Engagement with space, over generations and through its use and appropriation, has provided a sense of territoriality to this traditional population that is closely linked to its heritage.
Copyright (c) 2024 Lara da Silva, Rodrigo Rodrigues de Freitas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Vegetation Cover and Drought Conditions in the Semi-Arid Region of Brazil
Studying a region's spatiotemporal dynamics provides essential data on changes over time, and Remote Sensing facilitates the generation of this data, offering a comprehensive view of transformations in an interest area. This work involves the use of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to provide information on spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation and drought conditions in Brígida’s River Basin, located in Pernambuco’s state, Brazil, as well as Chapada do Araripe region inserted in the same basin, using nine images from TM Landsat 5 and OLI Landsat 8 satellites on different dates. Precipitation data were obtained from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) with a cutout for the Brígida basin from 1990 to 2024. The results allowed to observe temporal pattern of precipitation events every three months through SPI-3, with periods of greater intensity drought and duration for 1991-1993, 1998-1999 and 2012-2017 periods, as well as the changes in the amount of vegetative vigor studied over different dates in the basin, with the image from 06/16/1990 standing out with the highest values of vegetation indices, with results above 0.5 for NDVI and above 0.3 for EVI, especially in the Chapada do Araripe region. It was concluded that the results revealed the impact of precipitation and drought on reducing vegetative vigor over time, providing crucial data for water resource management, water security, and climate change mitigation strategies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Débora Rodrigues Soares, Juliana Farias Santos de Morais, Diego Cezar dos Santos Araújo, Anderson Luiz Ribeiro de Paiva, Leidjane Maria Maciel de Oliveira https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Geomorphological Transformations and Urbanization: Study of the Stages of Anthropogenic Change in the watershed Tiger River (1975-2023)Geomorphological Transformations and Urbanization: Study of the Stages of Anthropogenic Change in the watershed Tiger River (1975-2023)
Human activities have modified the relief since the Paleolithic period, intensifying after the Industrial Revolution, especially in urban areas. This study examines the geomorphological and hydrological transformations that occurred in the Tigre River basin in Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul, over nearly five decades of urbanization. The methodological procedures adopted were structured within a multitemporal approach, enabled by the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geoprocessing techniques. Cartography, remote sensing, and photointerpretation were applied. This analytical strategy made it possible to classify the different stages of human intervention, investigate changes in river dynamics, and understand the effects of urbanization on local geomorphological and hydrological processes. The results reveal that, by 2023, urban coverage of the basin reached 79.48%, with a predominance of the Active Disturbance and Post-Disturbance stages. These transformations impacted surface and subsurface flows, increasing susceptibility to flooding. Intensified waterproofing, reduced infiltration, and modifications to drainage networks were also observed, all of which compromise the hydrogeomorphological balance. The conclusion is that mitigation measures, such as sustainable management and restoration of riparian vegetation, combined with public urban planning policies, are necessary to contain the effects of urbanization and reduce the risks of landslides, floods, and environmental degradation.
Copyright (c) 2024 André Ricardo Furlan, Romario Trentin, Juçara Spinelli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of Forests in Brazil – Period from 1985 to 2022
This study aims to analyze the spatial-temporal changes in Natural and Planted Forests in Brazil. To achieve this, data provided by MapBiomas was used to examine the development of Brazilian forests between 1985 and 2022. The forests were categorized as either Natural or Planted, highlighting their differences. Natural Forests are characterized by their role in preserving Brazil's biodiversity, while Planted Forests are cultivated primarily for commercial purposes. The data was analyzed using percentage variation and further examined through a paired T-test, the test was used to identify the existence of statistically significant differences between the years of analysis and Location Quotient analysis. The results indicate a positive trend in the growth of Planted Forests, while areas of Natural Forests have decreased across the country. Regarding the T-Test, the results indicated that, on average, the areas of Natural Forests in the Cerrado, Caatinga, Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes are smaller in 2022 compared to the areas observed for these biomes in 1985. Furthermore, regarding the comparisons of the areas, the test indicated that Planted Forests, on average, in the Cerrado, Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga and Pampa biomes, are larger in 2022 than the areas observed in these biomes in 1985. Thus, we have a reduction in areas of natural forests in most Brazilian biomes, as well as an increase in areas of planted forests in the same biomes, added to the Pampa biome.
Copyright (c) 2024 Daiany Stéfani Martins Vieira Leite, Luciana Bernardo, Maycon Jorge Ulisses Saraiva Farinha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Pressure Indicators on Protected Areas in the Amazon Coastal Zone - Pará
The Marine Protected Areas (MPA) of the Coastal Zone of Pará form a conglomerate of Protected Areas (PAs) and serve as a tool to combat the improper use of natural resources. This conglomerate of Protected Areas exhibits rich biodiversity and is home to approximately 5,000 families from traditional communities. This study aims to analyze the pressures occurring in 12 MPA in Pará. For this purpose, secondary vector-format data were used to identify pressure indicators, applying Kernel estimation for spatial analysis. To assess the degree of these pressures, the Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Areas Management (RAPPAM) methodology was used, which calculates the pressure level of activities in MPAs by measuring them in terms of “extent,” “impact,” and “permanence.” The results indicate that the main pressures are fishing, wildfires, deforestation, tourism, and oil exploitation, with the most pressured MPAs being Araí-Peroba and Caeté-Taperaçu, while the least pressured are Soure and Mocapajuba. The study also revealed that the greatest pressures are related to wildfires and fishing and that enforcement and monitoring actions can minimize the identified impacts. The research indicates that pressures on PAs are directly linked to the legal status of these territories.
Copyright (c) 2024 Carolina da Silva Gonçalves, Marcia Aparecida da Silva Pimentel, Milena Marilia Nogueira de Andrade https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Exploring the Usability of Urban Open Spaces, the Nexus between Tourism and Well-being Upticks in a Mixed-use Settlement
Extremely urbanized areas have withstood numerous urban disputes, disturbances, and catastrophes related to urbanization, affecting tourism. This study adopted the European Environment Agency's (EEA) urban greening framework. It aims to create an urban open space conducive to city dwellers and tourists. One of the key features is creating a healthy ecosystem and ensuring that the needs of the park users are considered. A quantitative research methodological approach was used, and five hundred (500) copies of the questionnaire were sent out to respondents, who included park users, tourists/visitors, homeowners, and traders. A total of 422 correctly completed copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and used for analysis. Thus, an 84,4% questionnaire administration and retrieval success rate was achieved. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency counts for demographic, building type, income, employment, and risk impact information about the respondents and the proposed urban intervention. On-site assessment of the urban area was captured using Google Maps to acquire updated land use data and aerial imagery of the study area. The study identifies five open spaces within the settlement, and the challenges and tourism possibilities, such as maintaining its historic urban character and reviving the streets and neighborhood parks, were uncovered. The study concluded that policies for landscape and urban design that incorporate green infrastructure into the open spaces for sustainable urban revitalization and tourism development. It recommended innovative and adaptive urban design strategies to boost tourism through effective streetscaping using nature-based greenery and beautification.
Copyright (c) 2024 John Adesina, Nnezi Uduma-Olugu, Michael Adeloye Adebamowo, Winchester Ndum Fuh, Xiaolan Tang, Yujie Ren https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0