A LEGISLAÇÃO BRASILEIRA E A IMPORTÂNCIA DA MANUTENÇÃO DAS FLORESTAS PARA A QUALIDADE DAS ÁGUAS DAS NASCENTES ESUSTENTABILIDADE DAS BACIAS HIDROGRÁFICAS BRAZILIAN LEGISLATION AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING FORESTS FOR THE QUALITY OF WATER IN SPRINGS AND RIVER BASINS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Water is essential for human, social and economic development, but over the years, concerns about the quality of water resources have increased due to the intensification of human activities, such as agriculture, livestock farming and urbanization. One of the consequences of the loss of water quality is related to the reduction of forests in Permanent Preservation Areas, altering soil properties, tree evapotranspiration and rainfall, especially in dry seasons. In Brazil, there are some laws that aim to guarantee the sustainability of water resources and punish possible offenders who cause damage to water and forests. However, these laws are not always complied with, for several reasons. This article aims to discuss the importance of vegetation for the quality and maintenance of the hydrological cycle of water, in addition to verifying possible laws, mainly the “New Forest Code”, its contributions and setbacks in relation to the protection, conservation and maintenance of Permanent Preservation Areas.

Keywords: Hydrological cycle; Water quality; Sustainability; Forests and Legislation.