Status of mangroves land use on the Brazilian Amazon coast from RapidEye imagery and GEOBIA approach

Given the ecological and socioeconomic importance of the mangroves of the Brazilian Amazon coast, RapidEye satellite images were analyzed to recognize mangrove forest and salt flat changes to different land use through human activities. Results show that mangroves are still very well preserved, with less than 1% of the total converted to other uses, primarily urban areas and roads. These human activities have been the principal causes of use in the mangrove forest, driven by local anthropogenic pressures resulting from human settlements in the transition zone between the mainland and tidal flats. In contrast, aquaculture, the principal driver of the loss of mangroves in other regions of South America and in Asian countries, plays only a secondary role in habitat conversion on the Amazon coast. However, these human activities demand more attention and policies need to be supported by Brazilian legislation.

Automated summary

RapidEye satellite images were used to analyze changes in mangrove forests and salt flats caused by human activities on the Brazilian Amazon coast. The results show that the mangroves in this area are well preserved, with less than 1% converted to other uses, mainly urban areas and roads. Unlike in other regions, aquaculture plays a secondary role in mangrove loss on the Amazon coast. However, more attention and supportive policies are still needed for these human activities, which are driven by anthropogenic pressures.