Modelos agroflorestais para a restauração de áreas degradadas no cerrado: integração entre conservação e economia

Abstract

The recovery of degraded areas in the Cerrado biome is a strategic priority for environmental conservation and sustainable development. This study implemented a recovery project in a 0.69-hectare area, utilizing native species of high ecological and economic value combined with the management of Jataí bees (Tetragonisca angustula). The project aimed at ecological restoration, the enhancement of ecosystem services, and income generation through the production of native fruits, honey, and Syagrus oleracea palm hearts. Selected species included pequi (Caryocar brasiliense), araticum (Annona crassiflora), and baru (Dipteryx alata), strategically arranged to optimize land use and ecological connectivity. The projected annual revenue ranged from BRL 6,635.00 to BRL 36,885.00, reinforcing the economic viability of the model. In addition to direct profits, the project promoted significant environmental benefits, such as improved pollination, erosion control, increased biodiversity, and strengthened ecological interactions. The study demonstrates that environmental recovery can be aligned with economic sustainability, positioning this model as a replicable alternative for other rural contexts and Brazilian biomes.