Avaliação de restauração de ecossistemas florestais de Mata Atlântica

Abstract

Ecological restoration is an essential tool for reversing degradation processes and reestablishing the functionality of Atlantic Forest ecosystems. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of forest restoration projects by assessing three areas established 15 years ago, during the 2009–2010 rainy season, and sampled at different periods (2014, 2021, and 2025). Several ecological indicators related to vegetation and soil were used, including analyses of the structure and regeneration of the tree community, as well as soil penetration resistance. Additionally, drone-based photogrammetry techniques were applied to quantify canopy cover and identify spatial patterns of plant development. Comparisons among areas at different stages of restoration allowed for a better understanding of the progression of ecological processes over time. The results showed that Study Area 2 exhibited the highest performance, diversity, and canopy cover values when compared to the other areas. Nevertheless, all areas demonstrated satisfactory indicators in the arboreal, regenerating, and canopy cover components, with canopy cover indices exceeding 90%. A gradual improvement in soil resistance to compaction was also observed, indicating enhanced physical and structural conditions in the restored areas, increased biomass, and reduced anthropogenic disturbances. Overall, the three evaluated areas showed significant progress in the forest restoration process across all analyzed variables — including dendrometric and volumetric attributes, floristic composition of the arboreal and regenerating strata, soil compaction, and canopy cover. Keywords: Forest Restoration; Ecological Indicators; Photogrammetry; Atlantic Forest.