ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF QUERÊNCIA, MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL: A CASE STUDY

This study analyzed the environmental efficiency of Querência (MT) in comparison with 24 other municipalities in the Vale do Rio Araguaia region, located within the Cerrado biome and the Tocantins-Araguaia basin. The research addresses the dilemma between economic development, especially in agriculture and livestock, and environmental conservation, considering the impacts of growth on deforestation in agricultural frontier areas. The main objective was to measure the relative efficiency of the municipalities and identify sustainable practices that could serve as references for regional public policies. Methodologically, a quantitative approach was adopted, complemented by qualitative analysis. Efficiency was estimated using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), with Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) and an input-oriented model, implemented through R software. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) was used as the product variable, and the deforested area, recorded by the Terrabrasilis platform, linked to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), was used as input. The historical data covered the period from 2017 to 2021, allowing for temporal comparative analysis. Qualitative investigation aimed to interpret results in light of environmental policies and local initiatives. Findings revealed that Querência consistently demonstrated maximum environmental efficiency throughout the study years, contrasting with variability among the other municipalities. This stability is linked to the adoption of environmental governance practices, continuous monitoring, and cooperation among local government, rural producers, and civil society. The project "Querência +: Sustainable Landscapes" stands out as a key component. In conclusion, Querência represents a reference case for environmental efficiency, showing that institutional coordination and sustainable management can reconcile economic growth with natural resource preservation.