Forest Restoration Evaluation Through Indicators in Areas of Bauxite Mining

Abstract

The state of Pará ranks second in Brazilian mineral production, where bauxite accounts for 84% of total mineral extraction, with negative impacts on the environment as a result. The determination of objectives and targets using environmental indicators as a tool to evaluate forest restoration processes is essential in the recovery of these exploited areas. This study aimed at evaluating the efficiency of forest restoration techniques by means of 13 qualitative and quantitative indicators for monitoring post-bauxite mining operations. Permanent plots were implanted in revegetated areas with the use of two techniques: planting of seedlings and stewarding of natural regeneration. It is concluded that the techniques are efficient for the recovery of forested area. However, natural regeneration showed greater efficiency for restoration for Density, Erosion and Exotic Species indicators. Still, natural regeneration should not be the sole option in the processes of ecosystem restoration, since planting proved to be more efficient for some indicators.

Environmental factors influencing the abundance of four species of threatened mammals in degraded habitats in the eastern Brazilian Amazon

“…However, the presence of these extensive conserved forest areas is already severely compromised in this eastern Amazon region [1,2]. Another alternative has been to invest in the forest recovery in degraded areas [88]. The problem is that the recovery of the forest seems to be much slower than the rate of the forest destruction.…”

Green Manure as an Alternative for Soil Recovery in a Bauxite Mining Environment in Southeast Brazil

“…it is essential to adapt ecological restoration projects to the specific needs of each environment (Stuble et al, 2017;Martins, 2018;Villa et al, 2022). Thus, it is important that the restoration techniques also accelerate plant cover in an economically viable way and in the shortest possible time (Gann et al, 2019;Ribeiro et al 2019;Martins et al, 2022).…”

Anthropogenic disturbances stimulate natural regeneration of Euxylophora paraensis Huber in a forest fragment in the eastern Amazon

“…They are shelters for animals and allow movements between fragmented areas promoting the dispersion of fruits, seeds, and keeping soil humidity. As sources of diaspores, they are considered key factors in the vegetal colonization of degraded areas (Rodrigues, et al, 2004;Ribeiro, et al, 2019). Thus, mitigation and conservation of forest fragments associated with management efforts in fragmented tropical forests become necessary to promote actions such as natural regeneration management, enrichment planting, and reforestation of degraded landscapes, as is the case of mining areas.…”