Relação sociedade e natureza em ecossistemas costeiros no litoral setentrional do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

Abstract

The restinga and mangrove ecosystems along the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte are essential for maintaining biodiversity, providing ecosystem services, and sustaining the sociocultural livelihoods of traditional communities. Despite their importance, these environments have been under intense pressure from processes such as urbanization, the expansion of saltworks and shrimp farming, predatory tourism, pollution, and the spread of invasive exotic species. In light of this scenario, the main objective of this thesis was to analyze the transformations that have taken place in the restinga and mangrove ecosystems along the northern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. This thesis investigates the interactions between society and nature in these ecosystems through three complementary approaches: a scientometric analysis and systematic review of the scientific literature (2013–2022), an ethnobotanical study with artisanal fishers in the municipality of Galinhos (RN), and a multitemporal analysis of mangrove vegetation cover from 1984 to 2022 using remote sensing. The scientometric analysis revealed a significant increase in academic publications from 2018 onwards, highlighting institutions such as the Federal University of Ceará and international collaborations. The reviewed studies addressed impacts such as deforestation, infrastructure development, and heavy metal pollution, as well as management strategies involving the creation of conservation units, continuous monitoring, and the appreciation of traditional knowledge. A lack of community involvement in conservation policies was also identified. The ethnobotanical study showed that fishers have a strong understanding of mangrove species but less familiarity with restinga flora. Of the 33 species identified in the field, only 16 were cited by participants, 13 of which were exotic or invasive. The plants were used for food, medicine, fishing gear construction, and animal feed. Local perceptions highlighted saltworks, shrimp farming, and tourism as the main drivers of degradation, reinforcing the strategic role of traditional knowledge in conservation and territorial resilience. The multitemporal analysis of mangrove vegetation cover indicated a significant reduction in mangrove area in Galinhos, from 20.86 km² in 1984 to 11.31 km² in 2022. In the same period, the area occupied by saltworks increased to 27.49 km², and shrimp farming emerged with 3.12 km², becoming major drivers of degradation linked to biodiversity loss, hydrodynamic imbalances, and the disruption of ecosystem services. Taken together, the results underscore the need for integrated public policies that combine science, technology, and traditional knowledge, with a focus on the conservation and restoration of these ecosystems. This thesis advocates for a participatory and interdisciplinary approach that values the leadership of local communities in environmental governance, ensures ecologicalfunctionality, and promotes socio-environmental sustainability along the northeastern Brazilian coast.