The Brazilian Atlantic Forest Gives Way to Other Land Uses in Santa Catarina State

Abstract

"Deforestation permits (1,753) submitted to the state environmental agency (Fatma) in Santa Catarina state, Brazil, were analyzed in order to establish the profile of applicants, the reasons for request, and the methodological characteristics of forest inventory. The results show that 71% of applications were from individuals, and the economic use of land was the major reason for requisition. Reforestation with exotic species was the greatest demand (43%), representing 22 thousand hectares. Random sampling was used in 95% of inventories, and plots with 200m2 were the most common size used. Inventory criteria were different between rural and urban areas. Around 46% of inventories had problems in assigning the species presented into successional stages. The results suggest the need of inventory sampling standardization to classify the vegetation and also training and continuing education for professionals. They also show the immediate need of a policy for native forest usage."