Goods and Services Associated with a Sandy Coastal Plain in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify, characterize and map an area for its different types of direct and indirect use of native vegetation of sandy coastal plains (Restinga) at "Praia das Neves", a district of the municipality of Presidente Kennedy, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data were collected on site using an orthophotomosaic provided by the State Environmental Institute (IEMA) on a 1:35,000 scale, where plant formations of sandy coastal plains were identified and mapped. Six phytophysiognomies were categorized by the following surveying: Halophyte/Creeping-Psamophyte, Open Scrub Palm, Low Closed Thicket, Open Scrub, Non-Flooded Forest and Herbaceous Swamp. Vegetation portions were fragmented due to use for real estate dynamics and cattle raising activity. Among the most prominent and supplied goods are wood exploitation, vegetable products for food and fresh water supply. Furthermore, the services identified are water resource maintenance and ecological functions provided by sandy coastal plain phytophysiognomies.