Survey and evaluation of environmental impacts in recreational water use areas of Rio das Velhas upper valley basin

Abstract

The development of tourism activity has growing up in the Rio das Velhas Upper Valley basin in the last years, especially when it’s associated to the recreational water use. However, there are a shortage studies to assess the environmental quality of these areas. Then, this work aims to indentify the main recreational areas of the basin, and evaluate the environmental impacts of the tourism activities in these areas by a rapid habitat diversity protocol and a checklist. The results showed that the recreational water use areas most affected by the tourism are located in free access fluvial sections. By the other way, areas that are controlled by the owners, or that have a harder access, are more preserved.