Use and Occupation in Bragança Littoral, Brazilian Amazon

PEREIRA, L.C.C., GUIMARAES, D.O., RIBEIRO, M.J.S., COSTA, R.M. and SOUZA FILHO, P.W.M., 2007. Use and Occupation in Braganca Littoral, Brazilian Amazon. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 50 (Proceedings of the 9th International Coastal Symposium), 1116 – 1120. Gold Coast, Australia, ISSN 0749.0208 This work focusses on the Bragantinian Coastal Plain, which is located in the northeastern littoral of Para State, presenting an approximately 15 km waterfront. This area is situated in a macrotidal zone strongly affected by natural processes and human activities. The environmental and social aspects of five beaches in the Bragantinian littoral are described taking into account the several natural and human impacts that these beaches have been suffering along the last years. The methodology adopted in this study was based on interviews with inhabitants, direct observations and the monitoring of physical and human components. The obtained results showed that these beaches present several erosive problems, lack of adequate services and infrastructure, land use occupation disorder and lack of governmental incentive to support the sustainable development in the region. In addition, this coastal zone is one of the most frequented areas of the state, and it is considered of good quality by beach users, who pointed out its natural beauty, tranquility and fish abundance. On the other hand, the natural erosive process, intensified by the disordered occupation, is responsible for the destruction of their natural ecosystems and buildings located along the waterfront, mainly during the equinoctial spring tides. Due to importance that the Amazon littoral represents to the world, an urgent action plan is necessary to minimise the social and environmental problems observed in Braganca beaches, promoting a sustainable development of local natural resources. ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS: Management, Amazon coast, Brazil.