ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND LEGAL BASES FOR COASTAL AREA EVALUATION: THE SEIXAS BEACH SAMPLE - PB

Abstract

The present work aims at performing an environmental analysis focused on the current legislation applied to Seixas Beach, located in the southern littoral of João Pessoa city, in the State of Paraíba – Brazil. In this coastal zone as well as in other littoral areas of Brazil and Paraíba, natural processes linked to anthropogenical activities have increased coastal erosion, changing significantly the local scenery. This study identified the eminent necessity of applying technical measures that may promote area conservation or the mitigation of present-day erosive processes. Among the implications of disorderly occupation in this coastal space, we observe marked erosion on the coastline that has caused serious socio-economical and landscape damages. Another characteristic of this littoral zone are the elements of civil infrastructure built on permanent preservation areas, including the Average High Tide Line (Marine Line). This fact violates the current environmental legislation in Brazil and contributes noticeably to the degradation of the area.