Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Conceição do Araguaia

Objective: This study investigates deforestation in the municipality of Conceição do Araguaia (PA), in the Amazon region, with the purpose of quantifying its evolution, understanding its dynamics, and relating them to local environmental impacts, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in studies on forest cover loss in Brazilian biomes, especially in the Amazon, highlighting relationships between deforestation, energy balance, reduced humidity, increased average temperature, and agricultural expansion. These concepts provide support for interpreting the observed environmental transformations. Method: The methodology adopts a quantitative and geospatial approach based on data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Land-use changes for the years 1985, 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2023 were analyzed using QGIS software (version 3.40), through a transition matrix. The dynamics of deforestation were visually represented using Sankey diagrams, allowing the identification of vegetation conversion flows. Results and Discussion: The results revealed an increase in deforestation and expansion of pasture areas. The discussion shows that the reduction in vegetation cover intensifies incident solar radiation, decreases air humidity, and alters the energy balance, contributing to the modification of the local ecosystem. Limitations related to the temporal precision of the data were also considered. Research Implications: The findings reinforce the need for public policies, reforestation practices, and environmental governance strategies aimed at mitigating climate change and conserving the territory. Originality/Value: This research stands out for its integrated use of transition matrices and Sankey diagrams at the municipal scale, offering methodological contributions and supporting environmental planning actions in the Amazon.