The role of buffer zones in the effectiveness of the environmental protection in Floresta Nacional de Palmares, Piauí state, Brasil

Abstract

The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the buffer zones (BZ) as legal instruments of protection, around the protected areas of the National Forest (Flona) of Palmares in the role of environmental protection. The research was carried out at Flona de Palmares, located in the municipality of Altos – PI state. Bibliographic surveys were carried out and, mainly the Environmental Legislation and technical and scientific dissemination material were used. A map was created using Qgis geoprocessing software to delimit the zone of Flona ​and the mapping of urban expansion was done through observation of satellite images. Although Flona is a considerable distance from urban densities, it is under pressure from rural properties and communities that have been growing over the years in its surroundings, which represents a direct threat to the Conservation Unit (CU). The progress of these areas towards CU is a risk factor to be considered. There are conflicts with enterprises bordering CU and, in addition, the lack of an efficient management plan and its application, these are some of the problems identified and that hinder the effectiveness of the BZ at Flona de Palmares.