Environmental problems of the Portuguese state

Abstract

The critical environmental problem in the 14 municipalities of the state of Portuguesa, merits a technical, socio-community and institutional approach given the relevance of its agricultural activity and its impact on the country’s food security. To this end, the
strategic planning methodology was applied to a desirable 2020 scenario. In the fi rst phase, IICA carried out a physical and environmental characterization of the region over an area of 15,200 km2. Four physiographic zones were identifi ed: mountains, foothills, high plains and low plains, in which fl at relief predominates (70%), with average annual rainfall of 1460 mm and temperatures ranging from 22 to 26 ºC. The estimated population is 900,000 inhabitants, concentrated in an urban and rural area
of 65% and 35% respectively. Among the 17 problems found in the various municipalities, non-compliance with the land use plan, solid waste management, ‘contamination of water bodies (rivers and reservoirs); soil degradation  and loss of biodiversity mainly in the upper basins prevail. It is concluded that the most relevant socio-environmental problem is the lack of knowledge on the part of the authorities regarding environmental management, together with the absence of citizen awareness, which leads to a culture of ethics and co-responsibility in the adequate management of natural resources.