Avaliação de impactos ambientais gerados pela urbanização na zona de amortecimento do Parque Natural Municipal das Nascentes do Rio Golandim

Abstract

The growth of urban centers presents an exponential territorial demand, raising concerns regarding the country's sustainable development. Conservation Units (UCs), established by the State through Law No. 9.985 of July 18, 2000, via the creation of the National System of Nature Conservation Units (SNUC), serve as a strategy to promote environmental balance by aiming to protect biodiversity through practices focused on conservation, environmental education, and the encouragement of scientific research. However, Municipal Natural Parks often suffer social pressure due to spatial conflicts with urban areas, making it essential to strictly comply with the guidelines established in the management plan at the time of their creation to fulfill their conservation roles. Environmental impact assessments aim to identify and assist in decision-making to minimize and prevent a range of problems. In this study, methods such as checklists and an adapted Leopold interaction matrix were used to analyze the impacts in the buffer zone of the Municipal Natural Park of the Nascentes do Rio Golandim. The results indicated that most of the observed impacts are direct, of strong magnitude, and in many cases, irreversible—particularly vegetation destruction, land subdivision, effluent discharge, and mineral extraction. On the other hand, positive actions were identified, such as reforestation, fencing, and environmental monitoring, which have the potential to significantly contribute to the ecological restoration of the surrounding area. The research highlights the urgency of adopting mitigation measures and reinforces the importance of participatory management and continuous oversight to preserve the environmental integrity of the protected area.