Analysis of the Objectives of a Sustainable Use Conservation Unit: Application of the "Objectives Module" of the RAPPAM Method - Rio Ouro Preto Extractive Reserve

Abstract

This study examines the following problem: “What does the management plan (conservation management document) indicate about the objectives of a conservation unit (CU), according to indicators in the 'Module - Objectives' from the RAPPAM method - world reference in evaluating the effectiveness of CU management?" The goal is to characterize the "objectives" of a sustainable use CU based on 8 indicators from the RAPPAM method. The study was applied to the Rio Ouro Preto Extractive Reserve, located in the Amazon. Some results deserve to be highlighted: the indicator "biodiversity" being absent in the objectives of the plan harms the CU in its master function: sustainability; the indicators "plans" and "projects" showed a wealth of detail; the indicators "employees", "managers" and "policies" revealed a frightening reality: a lack of human resources; the indicator "local communities" revealed satisfactory participation. The management plan was deficient with its main objectives: strategic ones. They are of great importance because they are considered the highest priority according to the needs of the community. The study suggests a readjustment of the objectives, under penalty of undermining the objectivity of the management plan and sustainable development of the Exres. The study allows for the application of the method in other CUs, since all management plans have "objectives" in their textual structure. The scientific relevance of this study is justified in view of the sustainability of other CUs, since the management plan, as well as the objectives contained in the textual structure of the document, are common to all.