LANDSCAPE GEOECOLOGY APPLIED TO PLANNING ENVIRONMENTAL IN THE PITIMBU 

RIVER HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN / RN - BRAZIL

The watershed of the Pitimbu River is in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, has an area of 132.46 km², being responsible for the water supply of 35% of the Metropolitan Region of Natal (NMR). It presents a variety of landscape units and economic activities that are linked to the multiple uses of water, which causes an overload on natural resources. Given the context, this research aims to develop environmental planning guidelines for the Pitimbu River basin, based on an analysis and diagnosis supported by the Geoecology of Landscapes, considering the potentialities and limitations of the inherent landscape features (characteristics) the basin. In methodological terms, the research follows phases applying geoecological analysis, which are: organization and inventory, analysis, diagnosis, and proposition. To this end, maps on the scale of 1: 80,000 were prepared, aided by more detailed surveys on a local scale, also subsidizing the preparation of the land use and coverage map. From the integrated analyzes between physical, environmental, and socioeconomic factors, it is possible to delimit the strengths and weaknesses, as well as subsidize integrated management strategies for the reality of the basin. It is expected that based on the actions and highlighted data, natural resources, especially water, can be used in a more compatible way with the potential and responsiveness of the area. Thus, it is hoped that the general results presented here can serve as a basis for maintaining this source.