Mapeamento dos manguezais do estuário do Rio Paraíba

This work’s main objective was to map the mangroves of the Paraiba River estuary, taking into account its distributions and the identified human occupations in its surroundings. In order to do so, geoprocessing techniques and field activities were used. The use of geoprocessing techniques resulted in the production of thematic maps containing the extension of mangrove and human occupations (residences, farming ponds and deposits of “petcoke”) which were present on the analysed landscape. The process of occupation of the mangroves in the Paraiba River estuary occurred according to the rhythm of expansion of the surrounding districts which share territory with the mangrove itself. The occupation of the mangroves was analysed from the perspective of the critical geography, considering its degradation as the result of the intense process of globalization and urbanization of the territory. The research results point to the need for public policies which aim at mangrove conservation and the improvement on the life of the residents of the communities which share its space.