Os impactos da conservação da natureza na segurança alimentar

The creation of Environmental Protected Areas reflects a model of environmental conservation that, while relevant for biodiversity protection, can generate conflicts with traditional agricultural practices and impact the food security of local communities. This article investigated the impacts of implementing the Macaé de Cima Environmental Protected Area (RJ) on agricultural production and the food security of farming families. The research adopted a qualitative approach, including a literature review, geospatial data analysis, and interviews conducted with local farmers between 2022 and 2023. The results indicate that environmental restrictions and increased tourism significantly altered land use, replacing traditional agricultural practices with less diverse, agrochemical-dependent crops, while the reduction in self-consumption led to greater reliance on external markets. These changes underscore the need for public policies that reconcile environmental protection with the socioeconomic and food well-being of local communities.