THE INFLUENCE OF PROTECTED AREAS ON URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION: A CASE STUDY OF POUSO ALEGRE, MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

Urban green areas have been considered one of the main strategies to mitigate extreme thermal discomfort caused by the climate crisis. In addition to their role in heat control, their relevance has been emphasized in public policies related to leisure, sports, and municipal public safety. The present study aims to evaluate the management of protected areas in the city of Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using Landsat images between 1994 and 2024. The methodology employed comprises the following steps: i) selection of study areas; ii) thematic classification of images from Landsat 5, 8, and 9 satellites; iii) refinement and validation of results; and iv) spatiotemporal analysis of the data obtained. The results show significant reforestation in the areas studied, especially in the Permanent Preservation Area (APP), as well as a reduction in pasture areas and an increase in water bodies. Results indicate that the Municipal Park (PNMPA) has already reached an advanced state of reforestation, while the APP still shows areas susceptible to environmental recovery. These results highlight the effectiveness of the environmental policies adopted by the municipality, as well as the relevance of the Brazilian Forest Law and the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) in promoting sustainable urban development.