Descompasso entre investimento em gestão e prioridades para conservação da biodiversidade nas unidades de conservação da Amazônia

Abstract

The effectiveness of protected areas in biodiversity conservation relies on the availability of resources and a robust management structure. However, there was a mismatch between the establishment of protected areas and investment in their management, resulting in many areas lacking essential resources, especially in the Neotropical region. This discrepancy is pronounced in the Brazilian Amazon, posing a substantial risk to the intended objectives of the biome's protected areas. This research investigates the factors influencing the management effectiveness of protected areas in the Amazon. It proposes a strategy for prioritizing investments based on the area's significance for biodiversity conservation and the degree of anthropogenic impact it faces. The findings reveal that protected areas receiving support from the Amazon Protected Areas Program and managed by federal agencies exhibit higher levels of management, along with increased human and financial resources, compared to those lacking support or managed by state agencies. Areas designated for sustainable use demonstrate superior management effectiveness compared to those under full protection. Additionally, the extent of deforestation in the surroundings negatively affects both the management effectiveness and the perceived adequacy of resources. Notably, areas of highest priority for biodiversity conservation tend to experience lower levels of management and resources, indicating a resource deficit in these critical areas. These results underscore the imperative to channel resources towards the management of protected areas with high conservation value and those facing heightened anthropogenic pressures to effectively safeguard biodiversity.