SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF PERMANENT PRESERVATION AREAS IN THE MACARRÃO STREAM, JUAZEIRO – BA AND APPLICATION OF THE RAPID ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL

Abstract

Urban streams undergo significant changes due to unplanned urban expansion and the lack of adequate sanitation, leading to environmental degradation and loss of ecosystem functions in Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs). In this context, this study assessed the environmental condition of the Macarrão Stream, in Juazeiro-BA, integrating the analysis of PPA occupation with the application of the Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP). The methodology involved delimiting the PPAs through geoprocessing in QGIS, following the Brazilian Forest Code, and applying the RAP at four points along the stream, with data systematization supported by the RioPar software. The results indicate that approximately 53.5% of the PPAs are occupied by buildings and other anthropogenic structures, with an almost complete absence of riparian vegetation, erosive processes, and direct discharge of domestic sewage. RAP scores ranged from 40 to 50 points, classifying all segments as having intermediate degradation, mainly due to solid waste deposition, morphological alterations in the channel, and signs of organic pollution. The integrated analysis reveals substantial loss of ecological and hydrological functions, highlighting the urgent need for actions such as riparian restoration, control of irregular occupation, improvements in sanitation infrastructure, and proper waste management. The study concludes that the combined use of RAP and geoprocessing tools is effective for preliminary environmental diagnoses and for supporting recovery and management strategies in urban streams.