Analysis of social and environmental impacts on the coastal zone of Salinópolis/PA

Abstract

The increasing exploitation of coastal areas as a tourist attraction seeks to meet the interests of people seeking to maintain a greater bond with nature. In this sense, in the state of Pará, the municipality of Salinópolis stands out as one of the priority places in government actions related to tourism, presenting a vast landscape, resulting from the interaction of natural factors that give rise to local beaches and other ecosystems. Thus, the present research aims to evaluate how tourist activities practiced in four beaches of Salinópolis/PA affect the local social and environmental quality. The methodology consisted of literature on the subject, and then, the field stage was constituted in the following: (i) photographic records of the study areas; and (ii) impact checking through indicator control listing. From the analysis of the application of the checklist it was evidenced a great environmental problematic in both sections of research, closely related to the form of appropriation and use of these spaces. The biggest problems were in the section of Atalaia beach, mainly related to the issue of solid waste along the beach strip, as well as in the sewage release at certain points. And at Farol Velho beach, where the advance of the sea has caused the destruction of built environments, access roads and other urban infrastructures. In addition, it was found that various types of occupations occur irregularly and without considering the guidelines established in the urban management instruments, stimulating a series of changes in the natural landscape of both extensions of beaches.

Keywords: Environmental Management. Environmental Impact Assessment. Coastal Management.