ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES BARRIERS TO DEVELOPMENT OF THE RIBEIRA VALLEY?

Abstract

The Ribeira Valley – SP, located between two major states of Brazil presents the largest and most continuous preserved remnants of the Atlantic Forest. The region, one of the first to be colonized in the country and therefore witnessed several economic cycles, has presented the lowest levels of development of the of São Paulo state. Extensive Preservation Areas have been identified as responsible for these low rates. Therefore, we aim with this work contribute to a better understanding of an ongoing discussion in the Ribeira Valley, associated with preservation as a precursor of underdevelopment. Through a literature review, historical events and data from research institutes have been identified that demonstrate that the issue is more related to the lack of attention to social and economic characteristics than strictly environmental issues.