Forest Restoration Evaluation Through Indicators in Areas of Bauxite Mining

Sabrina Santos Ribeiro, Francisco de Assis Oliveira, Gracialda Costa Ferreira, Daniel Estumano Santos, Denis Conrado Cruz
2019 Floresta e Ambiente  
The state of Pará ranks second in Brazilian mineral production, where bauxite accounts for 84% of total mineral extraction, with negative impacts on the environment as a result. The determination of objectives and targets using environmental indicators as a tool to evaluate forest restoration processes is essential in the recovery of these exploited areas. This study aimed at evaluating the efficiency of forest restoration techniques by means of 13 qualitative and quantitative indicators for
more » ... itoring post-bauxite mining operations. Permanent plots were implanted in revegetated areas with the use of two techniques: planting of seedlings and stewarding of natural regeneration. It is concluded that the techniques are efficient for the recovery of forested area. However, natural regeneration showed greater efficiency for restoration for Density, Erosion and Exotic Species indicators. Still, natural regeneration should not be the sole option in the processes of ecosystem restoration, since planting proved to be more efficient for some indicators.
doi:10.1590/2179-8087.081217 fatcat:seq7kbynlng5nnyxrxtwiprhfy