Unidades de Conservação e movimentos sociais na conservação dos campos rupestres ferruginosos: Um estudo no Quadrilátero Aquífero-Ferrífero (Minas Gerais)

Conservation Units and social movements in the conservation of ferruginous rupestrian grassland: A study in the Aquifer-Iron Quadrangle (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Abstract

The Aquifer-Iron Quadrangle (AIQ) region in Minas Gerais, Brazil, houses a unique biodiversity of great ecological importance, but faces significant challenges in its conservation due to mining activities and inadequate protection measures. This study briefly examines the distribution and status of Conservation Units (CUs) within AIQ, focusing on their role in safeguarding critical ecosystems, especially the Ferruginous Rupestrian Grassland (FRGs). Through spatial analysis and data extraction of Digital Elevation Models (DEM), it was found that a significant part of the AIQ, approximately 12.65%, is above 1,100 meters of altitude and can be considered as FRG. However, the distribution of CUs is uneven among the municipalities of AIQ and insufficient in relation to FRGs, areas of high biodiversity that lack adequate protection. The correlation between UCs distribution, land use and areas of mining activities highlights the urgent need for more robust conservation policies and integrated land management approaches. Despite government deficiencies, social movements initiatives emerge as key actors in environmental protection efforts, advocating for the preservation of critical sites such as Pico da Pedra Grande in Itatiaiuçu and Serra do Pires in Congonhas. This study emphasizes the importance of social movements in the protection of the natural heritage of AIQ, considering the interaction between territorial planning and environmental conservation socially directed as key pieces in the protection of biodiversity.