Socio-Environment Analysis as a Tool for Coastal Management: the Case of Maraú Peninsula, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

DE SOUZA FILHO, J.R., SILVA, I.R. and FERREIRA, D.F., 2011. Socio-Environment Analysis as a Tool for Coastal Management: the Case of Maraú Peninsula, Bahia, Brazil. In: Micallef, A. (ed.), MCRR3-2010 Conference Proceedings, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 61, pp. 446–451. Grosseto, Tuscany, Italy, ISSN 0749-0208.The state of Bahia has the largest coastal extension among all Brazilian states. This extension includes some of the most desirable tourist destinations within the country. The local preference is directed to the model “sun, sand and sea.” The Marau Peninsula represents one of the most important drivers of economic development in the region. The intensification of activities on the beaches of Maraú results in the increase of tourist flow, real estate development and the establishment of support infrastructure resulting in increasing pressure on local ecosystems. After assessing the degree of anthropogenic changes in this coastal extension, the northern portion stands out as the most impacted area. This includes the beaches of Taipus de Fora, and Três Coqueiros e Ponta do Muta. Recreational capacity assessment of these beaches indicates that Taipus de Fora holds more than 2,000 users in its peak time. This represents, respectively, over 6.5 and 12 times the number assessed for Três Coqueiros e Ponta do Mutá beaches. However, it is important to point out that Taipus de Fora offers greater beach length and width, around twice the area (6.34 m2) to its use…