Caracterização das dunas da área de proteção ambiental da Barra do Rio Mamanguape, Rio Tinto, PB

Abstract

The present paper is about the characterization of the coastal dunes of Environmental Protection Area of the Barra do Rio Mamanguape located in the northern coast of Paraíba. The main objective of this study was to characterize the environmental system of dunes in the area in question based on the natural and anthropic factors. Performing a literature review about the natural and anthropic issues involving not only the dunes but also the coastal environment in association with the concepts of geodiversity, is the necessary foundation for this work to happen. The methodology used (fragmentation of the area into zones) enabled us to verify different natural and anthropic factors that occur among areas. In a natural way the zone A located in the community of the Barra do Mamanguape presents itself as the less impacted by erosion, because the coast is "protected" by a reef formation that occurs parallel to the coastline that acts as a natural barrier generating a reflective dynamic on the beach. The remaining areas B, C and D respectively ranked the communities of Lagoa de Praia, Praia de Campina and Oiteiro, both have a praial dissipative dynamics which is characterized by high wave energy, in these high tides break the windward side of dunes thus generating the erosion processes. The use and occupancy of areas A, B and D are given by processes linked to subsistence livestock grazing and exploitation of vegetation for other crops, and still holding the chaotic tourist traffic caused by pedestrians and vehicles on the dunes. Zone C is presented as the most anthropically devastated because it was inserted on a blend that completely misread the environment. In general the area ferments the basic concepts of geodiversity and encourages the practice of geotourism. This work is contributing to the development of a management plan generating support for the creation of guidelines aimed at valuing the physical environment.