Urban Agglomeration: A Qualitative Assessment of Landscape Patterns on a Slope in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco

Abstract

Objective: To carry out a qualitative assessment on a slope in Jaboatão dos Guararapes/PE, due to its physical-natural characteristics and significant inadequate urbanization.   Theoretical Framework: Urban growth, associated with disordered occupation, causes a series of changes in the environment. This urbanization without adequate planning can have several negative consequences for the environment and the population's quality of life.   Method: The Impact Matrix was used to facilitate the visualization and assessment of impacts on the different components of the environment, enabling a qualitative analysis. An assessment of possible impacts was also carried out, based on criteria, regarding environmental factors in the physical, biotic and anthropic environment, as well as actions that can be eliminated or mitigated.   Results and conclusions: With the application of the methodology, it was possible to make decisions to establish planning, support environmental management and resolve land use and occupation conflicts in terms of socio-environmental impacts. As for positive impacts, environmental education raised awareness among the population. In relation to negative impacts, greater attention from the population in the hillside area and on the river bank is important, especially in the winter period, when intense rains are observed, which can alter soil parameters, increasing landslides and floods.   Implications of the research: Methodologies used to eliminate or minimize impacts caused by the urban growth process.   Originality/value: This study proposed to evaluate the impacts of human actions in the city of Jaboatão dos Guararapes.