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Environmental Assessment in Neotropical Watersheds: A Multi-Factorial Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Elaine F. Celestino

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação nível Doutorado em Recursos Pesqueiros e Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, 85903-000 Paraná, Brazil)

  • Leandro F. Celestino

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação nível Doutorado em Recursos Pesqueiros e Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, 85903-000 Paraná, Brazil)

  • Jhony F. M. da Silva

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação nível Doutorado em Recursos Pesqueiros e Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, 85903-000 Paraná, Brazil)

  • Elaine A. L. Kashiwaqui

    (Grupo de Estudos em Ciências Ambientais e Educação, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, 79980-000 Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil)

  • Maristela C. Makrakis

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, 85903-000 Paraná, Brazil)

  • Sergio Makrakis

    (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Pesqueiros e Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, 85903-000 Paraná, Brazil)

Abstract

This study evaluated the environmental conditions of two watersheds selected on the basis of similarities in land use. The environmental conditions of the watersheds were analyzed using two geoprocessing methods and in situ evaluations by applying the rapid assessment protocol (RAP). Geospatial image processing was used to analyze land use, slope, soil classification, and rainfall, while RAP was used to evaluate the connectivity and size of riparian corridors. The results revealed varied uses of land with the landscape matrix in both watersheds, composed of agriculture, pasture, and urban centers. Urban centers were defined as spots and riparian zones as corridors. The analysis of environmental fragility considering all the geospatial variables, classified both watersheds as having medium fragility. The most fragile sites were the urban centers, which had a high slope and degraded riparian zone. Onsite assessments have shown that corridors do not have the size required by legislation; they are fragmented and unstructured, and they contain exotic species. We also propose that a multi-factorial approach be used to evaluate watersheds, associating geospatial assessments and onsite analyses that consider the limitations pointed out in each protocol. This reduces sampling errors and shows the actual state of conservation in riparian zones.

Suggested Citation

  • Elaine F. Celestino & Leandro F. Celestino & Jhony F. M. da Silva & Elaine A. L. Kashiwaqui & Maristela C. Makrakis & Sergio Makrakis, 2019. "Environmental Assessment in Neotropical Watersheds: A Multi-Factorial Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:2:p:490-:d:198760
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olexandr Nekhay & Manuel Arriaza, 2016. "How Attractive Is Upland Olive Groves Landscape? Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process and GIS in Southern Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-16, November.
    2. Lazdinis, Marius & Angelstam, Per, 2005. "Functionality of riparian forest ecotones in the context of former Soviet Union and Swedish forest management histories," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 7(3), pages 321-332, March.
    3. Shanshan Xu & Qinghe Zhao & Shengyan Ding & Mingzhou Qin & Lixin Ning & Xiaoyu Ji, 2018. "Improving Soil and Water Conservation of Riparian Vegetation Based on Landscape Leakiness and Optimal Vegetation Pattern," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-16, May.
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