Avaliação de impactos ambientais associados ao uso turístico de cachoeiras no Assentamento Monte Alegre, SP

Recreational use of waterfalls in rural areas can promote tourism and landscape appreciation; however, unplanned visitation may intensify environmental impacts. This study assessed the environmental conditions of the Monte Alegre Stream and Pilões Stream, located in the Monte Alegre Rural Settlement, between Araraquara and Motuca, São Paulo State, Brazil, comparing recreational areas with less-visited sites. A Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP), adapted from Callisto et al. (2002), was applied at ten sampling sites considering indicators related to stream banks, channel alterations, solid waste, vegetation, erosion, sediments, water characteristics, and biotic components. The lowest scores were recorded at sites with greater recreational use, particularly Dois and Pilão waterfalls, both scoring 14 points, and Adão Waterfall, which scored 18 points in the main channel, all classified as highly impacted. In contrast, less accessible sites showed better environmental conditions. The main impacts were associated with solid waste, reduced riparian vegetation, erosion, and soil compaction. The findings highlight the importance of visitor management, environmental monitoring, waste management, riparian vegetation restoration, and community participation to reconcile tourism development with environmental conservation. Keywords: environmental assessment; rapid assessment protocol; water resources; rural tourism; rural settlement.