Valoração de bens e serviços ecossistêmicos associados a projetos de recuperação e conservação ambiental no reservatório de Três Irmãos: carbono, uso público e recursos pesqueiros

Abstract

The aim of the research "Methodology for Valuing Ecosystem Goods and Services Associated with Environmental Recovery and Conservation Projects in Hydroelectric Reservoirs" was to establish methodologies adapted to the Brazilian hydroelectric sector, demonstrating that it is possible - and necessary - to estimate the social and economic importance of environmental protection actions, with a case study for the Três Irmãos HPP. To this end, environmental valuation methodologies were applied to the conservation actions carried out by the concessionaires. This article examines these benefits in terms of carbon balance, public use and fishing resources. Reforestation and conservation actions have contributed to reducing the volume of carbon in the atmosphere. In the current reforestation scenario, it is estimated that the value of the benefit in terms of carbon captured exceeds R$8.5 million per year (reforestation already carried out), and could reach R$60.5 million if reforestation approaches the scenario of a 250-meter stretch of the reservoir's banks. The NPV of these benefits was estimated at R$66.5 million and R$473.2 million by 2027, respectively. Extending the time horizon to 2037, the NPV of the benefits would exceed R$103.7 million and R$736.1 million in the aforementioned scenarios. Another benefit of the environmental conservation actions was the guarantee of a large flow of tourism (more than 500,000 visitors in 2017), whose spending induced an increase of more than R$90 million in the local economy, with a fiscal impact of more than R$4 million in municipal revenues.