Rapid ‘SWOT’ Diagnosis Method for Conservation Areas

Abstract

The population growth and the pressure over natural resources have increased around conservations areas in Brazil. Deforestation has contributed to natural disasters, such as floods and accelerated soil erosion, that have taken place in different parts of country in recent years. These events have taken lives and seriously affected not only the urban sectors but also conservation areas. One of the areas affected by natural disaster has been ‘Ilha Grande’, Big Island State Park (PEIG), the third largest oceanic island in Brazil, which is located in the state of Rio de Janeiro and coordinated by the State Environment Organization (INEA). Although Ilha Grande is one of UNESCO's Biosphere Reserves, it has been under socio-economic pressure for years. According to the Brazilian legislation, all conservation areas such as Ilha Grande should prepare a master plan for management purposes. Most of these plans are based on secondary data from the literature review, technical surveys and participatory meetings. However, a lack of primary data may lead to improper decision-making. This paper reports on the development of a local diagnosis methodology applied in Ilha Grande to improve the decision-making process for planning reasons. The strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) method was used to combine primary information from field diagnosis and consultation with local stakeholders. The information surveyed was used not only as a baseline for the master plan of PEIG but also to elucidate the vulnerable areas on the island.