Reservas particulares e sistemas agroflorestais: proposta para formação de corredores socioambientais

Abstract

Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPN) are Conservation Units (UC) that can include part or all of a private property with the primordial objective to conserve biological diversity, at the landowner s initiative. This feature differentiates this category of UC when compared to others because it incites civil society and private initiative to combine efforts with public authorities so as to establish substantial protected areas and develop biodiversity corridors. However, the adoption of a strict preservation approach limits the potential of these reserves to assist in building a new paradigm that can conciliate preservation with conservation. This study was based on an initial literature review, that led the author to develop a systemic argument from different standpoints, such as that of Agroforestry Systems (AFS) as means to conciliate sustainable use and integral protection. This approach generated the hypothesis that RPPN not be considered sustainable without a critical evaluation of the environmental, economic and social problems that arise from their interaction with other UCs and with surrounding communities. A case study was carried out (involving RPPN created in a specific municipality) and a comparative study (involving an equivalent sample of RPPN in other municipalities) to address the problem through different research methods. The objective was to provide analytical elements for a critical discussion and to formulate a proposal for treating these questions linked with new global demands. The creation of a neologism (Socio-Environmental Corridors) aims at efforts to achieve convergence for a strategy of in situ biodiversity and agrobiodiversity protection, involving socio-environmental responsibility, multiplication of RPPN and AFS in surrounding areas. This approach indicates the fundamental importance of the application of market instruments and payment for environmental services as a means to build an Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Development model to confront the specter of global climate change.