CAATINGA AND ATLANTIC FOREST: THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES FOR HUMAN WELL-BEING IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL
Zoonotic diseases; Environmental health; Transdisciplinary; Sustainability
Currently, the pressures involving the loss of natural ecosystems, the accelerated urbanization process and unequal socioeconomic development have been the subject of great concern in the Northeast Region of Brazil (RNB). Because the state of Brazilian biomes, such as the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest, imply complex scenarios that involve social, technological, political, economic and environmental impacts. Among them, the emergence and transmission of emerging infectious diseases. In this sense, the purpose of this dissertation was to identify bases, trends and scenarios of Brazilian ecosystems, aiming to contribute to a better prevention and management of zoonotic diseases in the Northeast of Brazil. For this, we carried out a bibliographic survey in order to identify the main anthropogenic forces that affect the quality of life of populations located in the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes. By recognizing the impacts on the biological structure of these ecosystems and the services they provide in disease regulation, we have identified a set of more appropriate responses to contain and prevent zoonotic outbreaks. Secondly, we investigated the incidence, mortality and fatality of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a metropolitan region of the Northeast and its relationship with 15 socioenvironmental indicators, through the FPSEEA model (Forces-Drivers-Pressures-SituationExposure-Effects- Actions). It was found that the methodological design used in this dissertation presents itself as a good tool for social determination of health from secondary data. It was also identified that the fundamental roles of Northeastern ecosystems and the services they provide in managing the risks of zoonotic infections in urban regions of the GNI are good indicators of applicable sustainability. It is clear, then, that the risks of zoonotic infections are strongly linked with biodiversity crises and water insecurity faced by the GNI. Thus, given the relevance of the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest to maximize the benefits of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the area under study, we argue that transdisciplinary research is necessary to foster health surveillance, reduce the risks of zoonotic emergencies and achieve the Goals of Sustainable Development by 2030.