Evolução do uso e cobertura do solo e o cenário ambiental na região do Vale do Aço, MG.

Human development has resulted in accelerated interventions that surpass the limitations of the natural environment. However, the lack of environmental planning and uncontrolled growth can lead to the collapse of natural systems. In this context, scenario modeling proves to be a useful tool for understanding the physical environment, predicting transformations, and considering the natural uses and constraints of space. In the specific case of the Piracicaba River Watershed, the implementation of industries has caused significant changes in land use and land cover, especially in the Metropolitan Region of Vale do Aço. The objective of this study is to understand the relationships between the physical environment and human activities in this region, providing subsidies for territorial planning and sustainable management. To this end, the MapBiomas mapping was carried out in four distinct scenarios, and the Conservationist Use Potential (CUP) model was used to assess the natural predisposition of the environment. The overlay of this information allowed the identification of the dynamics of environmental use alteration with its natural characteristics. It was concluded that the region faces environmental conflicts due to pressures exerted on forest ecosystems, resulting in the degradation of the natural conditions of the environment by anthropic processes. Adequate measures are necessary to prevent further deterioration of the situation.