Classification proposal of land use to evaluate pressures (Method RAPPAM) at protected areas in southern Brazil.

Abstract

The preservation of protected areas provides environmental benefits, scenic benefits and economics. By uniting information protected areas with software Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is possible to design more clearly the activities that pose risks and pressures, enabling more effective management actions. Methodologies were developed to support the maintenance and protection protected areas, one of them is the Methodology for Rapid Assessment and Prioritization of Protected Areas Management (RAPPAM). One of the stages of RAPPAM is the identification of pressures and threats endured by protected areas. The Taim Ecological Station located in the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul has as economic activities in their neighborhood in rice farming, forestry and livestock. The purpose of this research is the use of GIS to identify the activities has negative influence on the Conservation Unit, through the survey on the use and occupation of land, contributing to one of the stages of RAPPAM Methodology, which can be used in the future to support the preparation of the management plan for the Taim Ecological Station.