Local representations of change and conservation of the riparian forests along the São Francisco River (Northeast Brazil)

• According to local people's perceptions, the riparian vegetation has been modified.
• There are different perceptions regarding landscape modifications.
• Respondents reported an increase in the abundance of exotic species.
• Respondents indicated priority species for replanting according to their needs.

Investigations of local representations about the environment allow for the elucidation of historical landscape transformation and the elaboration of strategies for environmental conservation. Thus, this study aimed to answer the following questions. How does the local population represent the possible changes in riparian vegetation over time? What historical events were responsible for these possible changes? How does the local population represent concerns related to the use and maintenance of riparian vegetation? This study was carried out with 87 informants from three communities: two rural ex-settlement communities and one quilombo in Northeastern Brazil. According to the informants, there were changes in the riparian vegetation. The main causes of these changes include the type of agriculture practiced in the region and the building of a large dam to provide water to the city of Sobradinho in the state of Bahia. However, there was no significant difference between the number of informants who said that the changes were for the worse and those who said that they were for the better. In addition, the respondents reported an increase in the abundance of exotic species and a decrease in the abundance of native species. Thus, the importance of including this group of people in the process of the forest restoration that will occur in the region is emphasized because they possess information about the past vegetation changes and their causes. They can also indicate which species should be prioritized for replanting according to their usage needs and they understand the importance of conserving riparian vegetation.