Effect of agriculture-cattle pressure on the buffer zone of the Parque Nacional das Emas

Abstract

The state of Goiás, Brazil, with 97% of its area within the Cerrado biome, features only 3% of conservation units: The Emas National Park is a priority area for biodiversity conservation. Climatic, geomorphological conditions and government promotion, with occupation programs since the 1970s, have transformed the area around the park into an important national agricultural center, threatening the conservation unit. Current paper analyzes the effect of agricultural pressure on the buffer zone, established by the management plan for the unit's protection. Although the buffer zone is under regulations, the standards established are not complied with, mainly due to the effects of agricultural pressure mentioned above. Results may subsidize public policies that favor appropriate conduct towards the functionality of the Emas National Park Buffer Zone.