Pomares da Mata Atlantica: search for sustainable development in the alto Tietê Region

Abstract

Between 2017 and 2019, in the Alto Tietê region, the “Orchards of the Atlantic Forest” project was developed with the aim of promoting sustainable land use practices and biodiversity conservation through the implementation of Agroforestry Systems. This region still preserves fragments of Atlantic Forest, recognized for their high biodiversity. In this context, the aim of this study was to characterize the participants and their farms, as well as to describe the influence of this project on agricultural practices and environmental quality. The study was conducted as field research, with an observational, cross-sectional approach and descriptive and quantitative analyses. A data collection instrument containing questions on sociodemographic characteristics and the influence of the project was applied to 35 rural landowners. The results indicate that the owners adopt different agricultural practices and management systems, showing a transition from conventional to agroecological systems, with some properties already implementing Stricto Sensu agroecological systems. In addition, the properties show a diversity of production approaches, including the cultivation of species native to the Atlantic Forest, such as cambuci, and the application of agroecological practices. The farmers' perception of the low level of appreciation given to products from the Atlantic Forest by the population was also noteworthy, identifying a significant challenge in the quest for sustainability.

Keywords: regional development; environment; environmental management.