LAND USE AND LAND COVER AS INDICATORS OF ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITY IN JACUÍ - MG

Abstract

Geoenvironmental analysis is a fundamental tool for territorial planning and sustainable natural resource management, as it enables the integration of physical and anthropogenic variables in understanding environmental dynamics. This study aimed to conduct a geoenvironmental characterization of the municipality of Jacuí (MG), located in southwestern Minas Gerais, Brazil, through the application of geoprocessing techniques and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Digital cartographic databases, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and thematic data were used to produce maps of hypsometry, slope, drainage network, watershed subdivision, soil types, land tenure structure, and land use and land cover. The integration of these datasets allowed the identification of areas with greater environmental vulnerability, particularly those characterized by slopes greater than 8%, the presence of Argisols and Cambisols, predominant pasture use, and location within Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs). The results indicated the predominance of rolling topography and extensive agricultural land use, highlighting the need for conservation practices and environmental restoration strategies. The adoption of the watershed as a planning unit proved appropriate for guiding integrated interventions and supporting sustainable water resource management. It is concluded that geoprocessing is an efficient tool to support environmental planning at the municipal scale, providing technical support for decision-making.