CONSERVATION OF GEODIVERSITY IN FERRUGINOUS GEOSYSTEMS

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4215/10.4215/rm2024.e23023

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of areas surrounding the bat caves in the Ferruginous Geosystem of Carajás from 1985 to 2022, emphasising the significance of geodiversity conservation in this unique context. The land use and cover transformations analysis reveals critical insights into spatio-temporal changes and escalating environmental degradation risks. The findings enhance the literature on geodiversity conservation and speleology, providing a solid foundation for future research. Monitoring mined areas and their ecological impacts is essential for refining management strategies for these sensitive ecosystems. Furthermore, recent attempts to amend cave protection legislation, particularly Decree 10.935, pose significant conservation challenges, necessitating a critical evaluation of environmental policies and fostering dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and the mining industry. This study highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach between resource extraction and environmental conservation to mitigate adverse impacts on biodiversity and ecological processes. Integrated and evidence-based environmental management is crucial for addressing the challenges of mining activities and regulatory changes, ensuring the protection of caves and their ecosystems for a sustainable future.

Keywords: Geodiversity; Bat Caves; Mining Impacts; Landscape Ecology; Environmental Management; Carajás Geosystem; Legislative Changes.

Author Biographies

  • Úrsula de Azevedo Ruchkys, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil

    Phd in Geology from UFMG, Professor in the Graduate Programs in Geography and Environmental Systems Analysis and Modeling at UFMG. Researcher at the Manoel Teixeira da Costa Research Center (CPMTC-UFMG)

  • Mauro Gomes, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil

    Master of Science in Environmental Systems Analysis and Modeling from UFMG, Environmental Analyst at the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio)

  • Darcy José dos Santos, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil

    Master of Science in Environmental Systems Analysis and Modeling from UFMG, Environmental Analyst at the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio)

  • Luiz Eduardo Panisset Travassos, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais

    Research Productivity Fellow at CNPq. Dr in Karstology from the University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Dr in Geography from PUC Minas. Professor in the Graduate Program in Geography at PUC Minas and the Graduate Program in Karstology at the University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia. Research Fellow at the Karst Research Institute, Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. 

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Published

2024-10-13

Issue

Vol. 23 (2024)

Section

Artigos

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