Índice de Pressão Agropecuária (IPAg) para o Estado do Rio de Janeiro, focalizando a região em torno do Parque Estadual do Desengano

Abstract

The objective of this work is to present a simple way of identifying areas that are potentially critical for the deforestation. Assuming that the conversion of forest land to agricultural uses is one of (if not the most important) the causes of the problem, it is possible to elaborate an index combining stock and flow variables concerning agricultural production. Using simple statistical procedures, the results for the many counties (or any other form of spatial division) are compared, creating the Agricultural Pressure Index (IPAg). One application for the state of Rio de Janeiro identifies some critical areas, in particular the municipalities located in the South of the Desengano State Park, the most important forest area in the North of the state of Rio de Janeiro.