Five decades of conflicts over land use and coverage in permanent preservation areas in Rio Cachoeira, southern Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The survey of surface use has become an important tool, as it is considered a primordial asset in environmental and territorial planning. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the conflicts over use and surface coverage in Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) of the Rio Cachoeira, Southern Bahia. The executed analyses are based on information obtained in a Geographic Information System (GIS) area, combined with remote sensing techniques and legal technical analysis. Satellite imagery (CBERS 4a) and aerial photographs were classified, from which 4 (four) different typologies of Use and Coverage were obtained, namely: anthropized areas, urbanized areas, mangroves and arboreal vegetation. The results demonstrate the time-space change for a period of approximately 56 years. Significant changes were detected and indicate that the riparian forest areas of the Cachoeira River are a synthesis of successive modifications accompanied by alterations in the economic and social base of the region covered. It is hoped that the achieved results would contribute to territorial planning for revitalizing the Cachoeira River.