Environmental Services Associated With the Reclamation of Areas Degraded by Mining: Potential for Payments for Environmental Services

Abstract

This paper discusses the potential of associating environmental services (ES) with techniques for reclaiming degraded areas (RDA) used in the mining sector, considering the current trends in payments for environmental services (PES) in Brazil. A literature review with content analysis generated results which identified the ES generated for eight cases of RDA in mining. As an example, ES related to soil enhancement were found. A more extended review of general RDA techniques confirmed the potential for associating other ES to RDA techniques used in mining, an example here is the enhancement of carbon stocks. Support for actions could come from existing PES schemes, particularly for cases where the ES identified as associated with an RDA technique are related to soil and water conservation. Concluding remarks indicate that there is a potential scenario for ES diversification in the reclamation stage of mining operations. A first step towards accomplishing this diversification envisages the creation of a PES scheme specific to the mining sector. Further studies are needed to develop criteria for fostering a PES scheme specifically for the reclamation phase of mining operations in Brazil.

Análise Multitemporal das Mudanças na Cobertura da Terra de uma Bacia Hidrográfica na Costa Atlântica (Multitemporal Analysis of Land Use and Cover Changes of a River Basin in the Atlantic Coast of Brazil)

“…Proportional ratio between areas of land use and cover classes in 2004 and 2010. Conversions of forest areas into pastures has contributed to the increase degraded areas and loss of biodiversity in the Amazon (Souza et al, 2016).…”

Evaluation of Ecosystem Services and Management of Urban Green Areas: Promoting Healthy and Sustainable Cities

“…Some authors have made distinctions between approaches concerning ecosystem services and environmental services (SOUZA et al, 2016). Ecosystem services are seen with emphasis on the provision of natural functions to well-being, whereas environmental services are usually associated with those obtained with man's help for the increase of biodiversity in favor of human use (ELOY; COUDEL; TONI, 2013).…”

“…Ecosystem services are seen with emphasis on the provision of natural functions to well-being, whereas environmental services are usually associated with those obtained with man's help for the increase of biodiversity in favor of human use (ELOY; COUDEL; TONI, 2013). Souza et al (2016) employ environmental services to characterize the benefits to the quality of life guaranteed by management practices of natural resources. The latter approach is customarily used for the payment of environmental services, as in the case of Costa Rica, where there is a national fund to compensate positive externalities generated by private forests (CHO-MITZ; BRENES; CONSTANTINO, 1999), or as discussed by Wunder (2015) regarding the Brazilian Amazonia.…”

Recuperação de áreas degradadas por mineração: associação de técnicas de bioengenharia de solos com geração e manutenção de serviços ecossistêmicos

“…Solera et al (2014) identificaram cinco soluções de bioengenharia de solos que podem gerar serviços ecossistêmicos, especialmente aqueles relacionados a estoques de carbono, habitats, diversidade biológica e condições físicas do solo, classificando-as como de alto potencial para RAD na maioria dos contextos de mineração no Brasil. Para Souza et al (2016), a diversificação de técnicas de RAD, além das convencionalmente adotadas, como a revegetação para manejo florestal comunitário e para sistemas agroflorestais e, ainda, a bioengenharia de solos, pode expandir a geração de serviços ecossistêmicos. Evans et al (2013) também sugerem que os planos de restauração em mineração devem considerar as condições de vegetação e solo existentes, em uma abordagem de manejo adaptativo para medir o sucesso na melhoria dos serviços ecossistêmicos.…”