TERRITORIAL DYNAMICS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON THE ECOLOGICAL FUNCTIONALITY OF THE ARARA-HYACINTH MUNICIPAL INTEGRAL PROTECTION PARK IN IMPERATRIZ/MA

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation is intrinsically linked to the effectiveness of Protected Areas (PAs), according to the guidelines of the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) in Brazil. In Maranhão, the convergence of biomes (Amazon, Cerrado, Mata dos Cocais) and intense anthropogenic pressures (agricultural and urban expansion) make Conservation Units crucial to mitigate impacts. This study aimed to analyze the territorial dynamics and their impacts on the ecological functionality of the Municipal Natural Park of Arara Azul (Imperatriz, MA), an urban fragment subjected to intense pressure, considering that the mere creation of PAs does not guarantee their effectiveness without criteria such as connectivity and feasibility. The methodology consisted of the analysis of satellite images to map and classify land use and cover, identifying patterns of ecological alteration and isolation in the park environment. The analysis revealed three dominant land-use classes: urban, preservation, and rangeland. Urban sprawl, characterized by soil waterproofing and low infrared reflectance, demonstrated the park's growing ecological insulation and the intensification of impacts such as noise and pollution. The grassland areas showed the conversion of native vegetation for agricultural purposes, accentuating fragmentation and the reduction of gene flow. It is concluded that the Jacintos Macaw Park operates as an isolated ecological fragment in an urban and agricultural matrix. The urgent implementation of integrated management strategies, including the creation of ecological corridors, is recommended to ensure the connectivity and ecological functionality of this important remnant of biodiversity.