Zoneamento geoambiental da sub-bacia hidrográfica do Rio Mandu, sul de Minas Gerais

Abstract

The process of accelerated urbanization and concentration of people and economic activities in one place cause pressure on the environment and, as a consequence, change and impact of deleterious form watershed, Therefore, sustainable development is a big challenge, and it is essential to improve the quality of life and the environment. In this scenario, it was produced the Geoenvironmental Zoning of the river Mandu watershed, South of Minas Gerais state, which covers part of the municipalities of Borda da Mata, Estiva, Ouro Fino and Pouso Alegre. The work was done from the concept of Geoecology of Landscapes, based on the concept of geosystems, which analyzes the landscape as a whole, considering the relationships among nature, economy, society and culture, aiming to represent the interaction between nature and humans. In this model were used tools of geographic information system. The cartographic products elaborated can contribute to the development of new research in the area and also provide subsidies for the definition of public policies and decision-making concerning to the solution and/or mitigation of environmental problems. The river Mandu watershed presents 57% stable areas, considering the stables and moderately stables, and 43% of unstable areas. Therefore, Geoenvironmental Zoning is an important tool for defining mitigating measures, aiming to improve the quality of life and maintaining the environmental stability.