LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SOCIAL CONFLICTS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF WETLANDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION UNITS: THE CASE OF THE SERRA DA AREIA PARk IN THE MUNICIPALITy OF APARECIDA DE GOIâNIA, GOIáS

Abstract

The use of wetlands is closely related to the existence of societies. For the government the management of wetlands is essential because of its environmental significance and different interests of stakeholders. This research aimed to investigate environmental laws and how they are enforced to manage the wetlands located in the Environmental Conservation Unit Serra da Areia, a public municipality park. Public Ministry, Communities, NOG’s, the Municipality of Aparecida de Goiânia, and private companies were the main stakeholders evaluated in this study. Differences in land use type and stakeholders’ interests lead to high pressure on the wetlands. The lack of infrastructure in the Conservation Unit and lack of public participation on surveillance and best management practices lead to increase the environmental unsustainability of the Serra da Areia Park.