Spatio-temporal diagnostic of the forestry sector in Pontal do Paranapanema: potentialities

Abstract

The Pontal do Paranapanema has undergone intense transformations in its natural landscape over the past decades, resulting in the loss of its biodiversity. In an attempt to reestablish biodiversity, ecological interactions, and natural processes, various strategies have been implemented through public and private initiatives, such as planting native species, restoring riparian forests, and implementing sustainable management practices that ensure the longevity of new habitats. In this context, the study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of native forests and forestry areas in the region over a 20-year period and quantitatively assess their expansions or reductions, incorporating an analysis of the conservation status and environmental quality of the affected areas. To achieve the proposed objective, a theoretical investigation of the forestry sector and the entire context of land use and occupation in the Pontal was conducted, and geoprocessing techniques were used for qualitative analysis of public databases. The findings show that forests occupy only 8.93% of the Pontal area, and in 20 years, there was an increase of only 18.56% (304.7 km²) in forest areas, mostly consisting of fragments that provide low protection to water bodies, and with reduced forestry representation.