Diagnostic Study of the Caboclo Stream Microbasin in the Municipality of Montanha-ES

Introduction: The study aimed to conduct an environmental diagnosis of the Caboclo Stream microbasin, a microbasin of the Itaúnas River, Montanha/ES, assessing hydrology, vegetation, permanent preservation areas (APPs), land use, and relief. It was based on literature on watersheds, highlighting the importance of vegetation cover and the integration of physical, biological, and socio-environmental data, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite images. Field data were collected and satellite images were analyzed for morphometric characterization, extent of APPs, land use, remaining vegetation, relief, and springs. The results indicated high environmental degradation, with only 4.44% of native vegetation preserved, a predominance of extensive pastures, and 84% of springs with no or insignificant vegetation cover. The micro-basin had regular drainage density (1.33 km/km²), gently undulating relief, and a network of third-order watercourses. The study highlights the need for ecological restoration, protection of APPs, and sustainable soil management, providing input for environmental planning and integrated water resource management. It contributes to the understanding of the dynamics of Atlantic Forest microbasins, offering a multidisciplinary approach applicable to regions with high anthropic pressure. Objective: The objective of this study is to conduct an environmental diagnosis of the Caboclo Stream micro-basin, assessing hydrology, vegetation cover, permanent preservation areas (APPs), land use, and socioeconomic factors that influence local sustainability. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework emphasizes the watershed as a strategic unit of environmental management, highlighting the importance of vegetation cover and the impacts of anthropogenic activities. It also emphasizes the use of Geographic Information Systems and integrated water resource management to support diagnostics and sustainable management in micro-basins. Method: The methodology consisted of integrating fieldwork and geospatial analysis. On-site surveys were conducted to identify land use, vegetation cover, springs, and Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs), and secondary data were collected from official databases. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the Córrego do Caboclo microbasin shows high environmental degradation, with only 4.44% of native vegetation remaining, significant forest fragmentation, 84% of springs without adequate vegetation cover, regular drainage density, and gently undulating relief, evidencing the impacts of extensive livestock farming and anthropic occupation on water quality and local ecological sustainability.