The ecological corridor as a strategy for connectivity between Atlantic Forest fragments in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, is a fragmented hotspot that faces challenges in order to overcome environmental degradation. Ecological connectivity is one strategy that may mitigate environmental impacts. The objective of the study was to develop a spatial proposal for an ecological corridor between the forest fragment of the UFSB Sosigenes Costa University Campus, the private Natural Heritage Reserve Estação Veracel and the Pau Brasil National Park, as well as understand the mechanisms for the implementation of an ecological corridor that involves different government sectors in possible public-private support strategies. The topographic, socioeconomic, ecological and legal characteristics were evaluated in a geographic information system. Using the minimum cost method, the potential areas were modeled for a spatial mapping of connectivity between the areas. The proposed corridor has a length of 9.78 km, a width of 978.70 m and a total area of 942.70 ha. Due to a predominance of anthropogenic activities, mitigation strategies would be required for its implementation. Public-private partnerships can promote forest connectivity and mitigate threats to the stability of local ecosystems, inside and outside of conservation units, and permanent preservation areas should be prioritized as a source of forest connectivity.