Plano de manejo da RPPN “Fazenda Não me Deixes” Quixadá, Ceará: desafios e efetividade

Abstract

The effective implementation of management plans in Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) still faces challenges, especially in reconciling environmental conservation, financial sustainability, and local community participation. The RPPN Fazenda Não Me Deixes, located in Quixadá, Ceará, exemplifies this reality and is the subject of this study, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of its management plan. In light of this, the present work seeks to assess the effectiveness of the Management Plan of the RPPN “Fazenda Não Me Deixes” in Quixadá, Ceará. To this end, a case study was adopted as the procedural method. It is noteworthy that this is basic research with a qualitative and quantitative approach and an exploratory typology in terms of objectives. Direct observation, interviews, and content analysis were used as data collection techniques. According to the databases used in this study, the results indicate that, between 2000 and 2024, Fazenda Não Me Deixes was mentioned in 25 scientific articles and 21 academic papers, highlighting its relevance as an interdisciplinary research site. The analysis of visitations revealed a peak in 2014 and 2015, coinciding with the highest volume of academic publications, while the Covid-19 pandemic period negatively affected visitor numbers. The implementation of interpretive trails, educational programs, and institutional partnerships could consolidate the reserve as a hub of sustainable tourism and scientific research, promoting its economic self-sufficiency and expanding its impact on environmental conservation and heritage education. This research underscores the need for more effective strategies to ensure the viability of the management plan and the maintenance of biodiversity, highlighting the relationship between natural heritage preservation, ecotourism, academic production, and cultural valuation. It also contributes to the reflection on the challenges of managing RPPNs, ensuring their long-term sustainability.