ANÁLISE MULTITEMPORAL DA UNIDADE DE CONSERVAÇÃO APA BAÍA NEGRA

Abstract

This Final Course Project analyzed the transformation of land cover and vegetation in the studied Environmental Protection Area (EPA) of Baía Negra during the years 2019, 2020, and 2024, focusing on the use of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The study revealed that in 2019, the region exhibited the highest presence of grassland and forest, indicating dense and well-preserved vegetation, with clearly defined lakes. In 2020, there was a marked increase in exposed soil and a significant reduction in grassland and forest areas, along with the transformation of one lake into a wetland, likely due to siltation caused by changes in the surrounding land cover. Although effective for vegetation monitoring, the NDVI analysis showed limitations in assessing water bodies, as suspended particles hindered data accuracy. By 2024, a partial recovery of vegetation was observed, predominantly low vegetation, with little forest presence. The upper lake had completely disappeared, while the lower lake showed signs of siltation and appeared to be heading in the same direction. The results indicate that the EPA faced challenges in fully fulfilling its environmental protection function. The observed changes reflect the need for more effective management measures to ensure biodiversity preservation, restoration of degraded areas, and maintenance of water resources. This study reinforces the importance of broader monitoring and conservation strategies for successful protection in conservation units. Keywords: NDVI, land cover change, environmental monitoring