Análise temporal de cobertura e uso da terra dos municípios do leste do planalto da Bodoquena

Abstract

The Bodoquena Plateau, located in the southwest of Mato Grosso do Sul, covers more than 600 thousand hectares and is characterized by the diversity of seasonal forests and savannas. The region, rich in biodiversity, includes important conservation units and has altitudes of up to 800 meters with a predominance of limestone rocks, resulting in rivers with crystal-clear waters that favor ecotourism, especially in Bonito. However, it faces environmental degradation due to the intensification of agricultural activities. In view of this, this study aims to analyze changes in land use between 1985 and 2022. The study area, with more than 1.5 million hectares, covers the municipalities of Miranda, Bodoquena, Bonito and Jardim, characterized by diverse types of soil and vegetation. Using MapBiomas raster data from 1985, 1995, 2005, 2015 and 2022, the analyses were performed in the QGIS 3.36.2 software. Maps, graphs and tables were generated to quantify the variations in different land cover and use classes, including temporal comparisons and Sankey diagrams to understand the transitions between classes and identify the factors influencing the changes in area. The temporal analysis showed a continuous reduction of the Forest class, with a cumulative loss of 177 thousand hectares (21.42%). Nonforest Natural Formation lost 12 thousand hectares, while Agriculture expanded by 1,542%, incorporating 95 thousand hectares. Pasture grew until 2005, but then decreased, totaling an increase of 160 thousand hectares by 2022. Forestry, absent until 2005, increased significantly from 2015 onwards. The study revealed a dynamic of conversion of natural areas into anthropized areas, with the "Forest" class suffering a significant reduction, mainly converted to pasture. Agriculture expanded substantially, driven by policies and increasing demand, resulting in deforestation. Agriculture also grew, although to a lesser extent compared to pasture. Forestry began to grow in 2005, while non-vegetated areas and water bodies showed significant fluctuations, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study, therefore, highlights the alarming conversion of natural areas into agricultural areas, negatively affecting biodiversity and ecotourism. The data provide support for public policies and sustainable conservation practices.