Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: MILENA BEZERRA DE OLIVEIRA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : MILENA BEZERRA DE OLIVEIRA
DATE: 29/08/2025
TIME: 09:00
LOCAL: https://meet.google.com/eid-wiqg-eij
TITLE:

LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION OF THE CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE TRAILS IN THE AÇU NATIONAL FOREST, IN THE BRAZILIAN SEMI-ARID REGION

KEY WORDS:

Potiguar Basin; Environmental management; Geotechnologies; Ecological trails; Conservation Units.

PAGES: 62
BIG AREA: Ciências Humanas
AREA: Geografia
SUMMARY:

Much of the Caatinga biome has been modified by human activity, reinforcing the need to expand protected areas and ensure the effective conservation of existing ones. In this context, the Açu National Forest (FLONA Açu), located in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, constitutes a remnant of high ecological significance, sheltering distinct phytophysiognomies and serving as a refuge for diverse fauna species. Given external pressures and the increased use of its trails for visitors, it is essential to understand the potential and limitations of this territory for sustainable management and biodiversity conservation. This research aims to analyze the landscape and assess the carrying capacity of the trails in FLONA Açu. To this end, an environmental characterization of the study area was performed. Thematic maps (altimetry, geology, slope, and geomorphology) were prepared, in addition to satellite imagery analysis to identify land use and cover classes. The work also included field inspections and soil sample collection. Five land use and cover classes were identified: i) infrastructure; ii) exposed soil; iii) undergrowth; iv) sparse tree-shrub vegetation; and v) dense tree-shrub vegetation. Particle size analysis revealed that the Coral and Caatingueira trails have higher gravel contents, which limits visitor movement. Areas of exposed soil are concentrated near the maintenance trail, suggesting trail widening and increased anthropogenic pressure. Small fragments of undergrowth were observed in transition areas with sparse tree-shrub vegetation, indicating potential regeneration points. The results highlight the need for management actions aimed at mitigating impacts, especially in more fragile areas, to ensure the ecological and functional integrity of the conservation unit.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1112649 - JOSE YURE GOMES DOS SANTOS
Interno - 3342435 - ANTONIO RODRIGUES XIMENES NETO
Interno - 1997952 - DAVI DO VALE LOPES
Externo ao Programa - 1691682 - MARCELO DA SILVA TAVEIRA - UFRN