APPLICATION OF THE IAT AND ROVUC TOOLS FOR PUBLIC USE ANALYSIS IN MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY IN THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO

The mangrove presents itself as an important coastal ecosystem that occurs in tropical and subtropical regions around the globe. In addition, it offers a range of ecosystem services essential for maintaining the quality of marine life and ensuring the subsistence of various traditional populations. In Brazil, 87% of this ecosystem is protected by Conservation Units (UCs). Visitation in these spaces represents an opportunity to strengthen social participation and the protection of the mangrove. However, it is necessary to plan and monitor public use activities to ensure the quality of visitation and environmental conservation. The present work aims to carry out a case study in the Guapi-Mirim Environmental Protection Area and in the Guanabara Ecological Station located in Guanabara Bay, in the state of Rio de Janeiro with the application of tools from the List of Visitation Opportunities (ROVUC) and the Tourist Attractiveness Index (IAT) to analyze the dynamics of public use. The research regarding the purposes was exploratory, descriptive and applied. And, as for the means of investigation, it was bibliographical, documentary, field and a case study. The results indicate the need to diversify activities. The importance of collaboration between public authorities and civil society to conserve the mangrove is emphasized.