Cenários de restauração para implementação de pagamento por serviços ecossistêmicos visando à conservação da biodiversidade

Abstract

Landscape fragmentation compromises biodiversity and ecosystem connectivity. This study modeled restoration scenarios based on Payment for Ecosystem Services programs, aiming to integrate environmental benefits. Restoration scenarios were analyzed using low natural agricultural suitability areas currently covered by pastures within rural properties in the Vale do Paraíba Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil. Using land use data and geographic information system tools, two restoration scenarios were modeled. The integral restoration scenario, which included all restoration areas, increased forest cover by 27.35% and average connectivity by 31.85%, connecting fragments and creating new habitats, with 134,498 hectares restored. The partial restoration scenario, focusing on selected restoration areas, increased forest cover by 72,182 hectares, prioritizing the expansion of fragments larger than 60 hectares, boosting average connectivity by 26.82% while optimizing resources. Both scenarios increased areas with very high connectivity and reduced areas with very low connectivity, with the most significant differences observed in intermediate connectivity classes. The study highlights that restorations facilitated by Payment for Ecosystem Services programs can reduce fragmentation and enhance regional sustainability, providing a basis for public policies that align biodiversity conservation with climate change mitigation