Economic valuation and environmental restoration: an insight into the permanent preservation areas of Passa-Três river for water resources conservation

Abstract

Environmental economic valuation assigns monetary value to natural resources, which estimates the amount necessary for the restoration of degraded environments through the Replacement Cost Method (RCM). This parameter plays a fundamental role in grounding environmental decisions. In this context, the study in question conducted the environmental valuation of the Permanent Preservation Area (PPA) of the Passa-Três River using RCM to estimate the costs associated with the restoration of degraded areas. Through the analysis of quantitative data from the PPA, corrective measures were established for the recovery of degraded areas, and the RCM method was employed to calculate the corresponding costs. The results obtained revealed that the PPA of the Passa-Três River is in a state of degradation, resulting from the replacement of natural vegetation with pasture. The estimated cost for the full restoration of the area was calculated at R$ 103,833,805.77, raising questions about the allocation of responsibilities for the costs involved and the commitment to the preservation of the water source, acting as an incentive for the creation of programs aimed at environmental protection and preservation.