A Importância da reserva legal (Lei nº. 12.651/2012) nas propriedades rurais

Abstract

Environmental preservation has gained prominence in contemporary times, with Legal Reserves being essential for the conservation of ecosystems. This study aimed to understand the importance of legal reserves (Law No. 12,651/2012) on rural properties, analyzing their contributions to improving agricultural activities and the negative impacts caused by deforestation in these areas. Regarding the methodology, we chose to conduct bibliographic research with a qualitative approach in order to promote conceptual and theoretical depth on the subject. To this end, laws, decrees, dissertations and scientific articles were used. The results indicated that the Legal Reserve Institute contributes significantly to improving agricultural activities by balancing rural production and environmental conservation. Legal Reserves help to preserve soil fertility and maintain water quality, ensuring a more productive environment for agriculture in the long term. The presence of native vegetation favors pollination, which is essential for several agricultural crops, in addition to protecting species that naturally regulate pests. Deforestation of Legal Reserves triggers the destruction of these areas, reduces natural habitats, threatens species of fauna and flora and increases the risk of extinction. The removal of vegetation releases large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, intensifying climate change. Native vegetation regulates the water cycle, preventing erosion and ensuring the quality of rivers and aquifers. Without this protection, there is a greater risk of silting and water shortages. Soil degradation caused by deforestation can reduce fertility and increase the need for chemical inputs, increasing costs for rural producers. In addition, the loss of vegetation cover facilitates the spread of fires, aggravating environmental degradation and putting nearby communities at risk. It is therefore concluded that despite their ecological importance, Legal Reserves often generate debates in the context of economic development. For some sectors, conservation requirements, such as minimum percentages of native vegetation, represent challenges to property rights and agricultural growth. However, protecting these areas is essential to ensure ecological balance and the sustainability of agricultural activities in the long term.