Caracterização urbana e ambiental da faixa de preservação permanente da Bacia do Córrego Penso em Pato Branco - PR

Abstract

Hydrographic basins comprise territorial units delimited by topographical conditions, commonly used as a research unit, since spatial characteristics directly influence aspects of managing available water resources. These, in turn, entail the maintenance of permanent preservation areas (PPAs) along watercourses. In urban contexts, the preservation zones defined for watercourses must have a minimum width of 30 meters (Law 12.651/2012). Despite legal provisions, conflicts regarding land use and occupancy within the preservation zones have been a constant concern for public officials, researchers, and society at large, especially in established urban areas. In response to a specific issue, the overall objective of this study encompassed the urban and environmental characterization of the permanent preservation areas of the Penso Stream watershed, located in Pato Branco, Paraná, Brazil. This was achieved through a diagnostic research approach, using a case study modality with a mixed quantitativequalitative approach, combining remote sensing techniques, landscape quality assessment. Among the findings, the heterogeneous occupation of the PPAs of the Penso Stream watershed stands out, including areas of agriculture and pasture, buildings, road infrastructure, and scattered patches of native vegetation. Landscape analysis indicated low to medium physical susceptibility to degradation in the analyzed region, predominantly featuring areas of medium susceptibility. Portions classified as having high human intervention were identified, especially to the north and south of the watershed in question, with a higher concentration of spaces considered to have low intervention in the central region of the watershed. Therefore, in the more critical spaces analyzed, including built and degraded areas, there is a need for priority interventions aimed at vegetation restoration, as well as the relocation of buildings and the resident population from high-risk areas. On the other hand, in areas that are part of the permanent preservation zones but are already developed, with no risks from building occupancy, the maintenance of road infrastructure should be planned, and in particular, land regularization should be promoted.