Spatial analysis of Protected Areas of the coastal/marine environment of Brazil

This study analyses the spatial distribution pattern of the Protected Areas (PA) of the Brazilian coastal and marine environments using Ripley's function. The PA are classified in accordance with the three Large Marine Ecosystems (LME) of the Brazilian coast, also incorporating the divisions provided in the National Coastal Management Plan. The similarity among management strategies in the three LME was analysed by the Morisita-Horn index. The assumptions are as follows: (i) the PA will be aggregated in the coastal environment for the three LME and (ii) differences exist with regard to the similarities within and between the LME. The analysed PA showed an aggregate pattern for shorter distances and a uniform pattern for longer distances. These patterns were significant for the East Coast and the South Platform. The management similarity was greater between the East Coast and the South Platform, suggesting that these two LME use similar strategies to manage natural resources. The coastal environment is more protected than the marine environment. Results indicate that the marine environment has a small number of protected environments. Both environments use more frequently the management model of Sustainable-Use Protected Area, with the participation of several social players in the management area. The country is still far from reaching the Targets of Aichi and of the Ministry of the Environment.