Protocolo para restauração ecológica da restinga não-florestal em áreas de desova de tartarugas marinhas, na Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brasil

Abstract

The restingas ecosystems of the northern coast of the state of Bahia are enclaves of moist or seasonal tropical broadleaf forests (Atlantic Forest), with rainfall ranging from 1400 to 2200 mm / year. However, due to specific characteristics of the coastal zone, especially sandy soils and constant winds, the restingas present attributes of xerophilic plant communities. Thus, it is suggested that the ecological restoration (ER) models for aridlands are the most suitable for restingas, as opposed to traditional methods indicated for forests. This work comprises a case study, whose product is a protocol with guidelines for ER of the non-forest restinga in the northern coast of the state of Bahia. Based on the local geomorphology and restinga phytophysiognomies, a replicable restoration unit was created, denominated ‘caiçara-module’. The study area was chosen due to its maximum relevance for the conservation of sea turtles, which depend on coastal vegetation for proper nesting sites. This protocol should be a useful support tool for the elaboration and monitoring of permits by environmental authorities, and the fulfillment of these constraints by coastal real estate developers. The proposed model is justified by the rapid urban expansion and its negative consequences in the study area; the occurrence of one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the world; the fragility and low resilience of the restinga environment; the presence of endemic, rare, vulnerable and critically endangered species of the local flora and fauna,; the frequent failure of restoration initiatives; the lack of a technological package and a specific legislation for the ecological restoration of the restinga in Bahia.