The practice of social participation in the formulation of public policies based on a diagnosis of the vegetation coverage in the municipality of Rio das Ostras.

Abstract

This study, based on 2007 high resolution satellite images, aimed at diagnosing the vegetation coverage of the hydrographic basin of the Rio das Ostras, located at the municipality with same name. It also intended to define the areas of permanent preservation along the bodies of water and in declivities above 45 degrees, so as to evaluate the effectiveness of the legal protection of the vegetation and identify the degradation sources to which it has been submitted. These plans were introduced to representatives from the organized civil society, technicians and officials of the Rio das Ostras municipality with the intention of evaluating local environmental conditions and stimulate debates concerning the proposals for the environmental problems identified in the research and establish an action plan in case the necessary measures are not taken in the mid or long terms. The study concludes with suggestions to promote the development of public policies meant to minimize social and environmental impacts identified in the permanent preservation areas.