Environmental and socioeconomic characterization of the Rio Branco and Colorado watershed, Rondônia, Brazil

Abstract

The present study aimed to describe the environmental and socio-economic characteristics of the Rio Branco’s and Colorado’s Basin, to identify the organization of this territory regarding the use of its natural resources. The characterization of the Basin was carried out using bibliographic surveys, scientific articles and institutional database contemplating a brief qualitative and quantitative discussion of the environmental (geomorphology, soil and territorial organization) and socio-economic aspects (migratory movements, demographic characterization and economic activities). The Basin is characterized by the geomorphological domains of the Guaporé River, the Fluvial Plain of the Guaporé River and the Plateau and Chapada dos Parecis, which are determined by their land elevations, with favorable soil for agricultural aptitude. Two Conservation Units are inserted in the Basin (one Quilombola community), in addition to two Indigenous Lands. These areas are important habitats for the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of water resources in the region. The counties with the largest territorial area and demographic density in the Basin are Alta Floresta D’Oeste, São Francisco D’Oeste, Santa Luzia D’Oeste and Alto Alegre dos Parecis. In general, residents are located in the rural area of ​​those counties, which provides greater use of water resources and the use of the soil in an integrated manner with many productive proposals, as agricultural and agricultural chain with emphasis on products like coffee, soybeans, corn, cattle raising, cutting and fish farming. The installation of 8 SHPs provides generation of electric energy and enables the socio-economic development of the Basin.