Surveillance analysis as a strategy for the reduction of threats to protected areas in urban zones

Abstract

Within the municipality of Conceição de Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, is the conservation unit named Parque Natural Municipal Salão de Pedras, with relevant natural features and legally established by the State. However, as the park is located in urban and peri-urban areas, it suffers different types of pressure and, consequently, has its integrity threatened. The objective of this research was to monitor external threats as a strategy to reduce anthropic problems in sites with higher occurrence of disturbances. Thus, a surveillance route was organized, which was carried out by park-guards who work at the unit, for a period of five months. It was noted that the occurrences tend to be localized, predominately, in the resorts and in areas near roads and park borders with other properties. Furthermore, it was noted that there was no effectiveness in implementing an inspection route to reduce external threats in the unit. Therefore, approximation and education actions must be developed together with the surrounding population and visitors to effectively prevent these degrading actions in the park.