Determination of areas vulnerable to erosion and priority areas for recovery in the watershed of Potengi River – RN

Purpose: The study aims to identify areas vulnerable to soil loss in the Potengi River hydrographic basin (BHRP) in Rio Grande do Norte, through a multicriteria analysis involving various geo-environmental attributes, in order to guide efforts towards efficient actions for the Recovery of Degraded Areas (RAD). Methodology: Data on geology, climate, geomorphology, pedology, hydrographic network, and interpretation of land cover and land use were collected. Through map algebra, it was possible to model the landscape of the basin and locate the areas most vulnerable to soil loss. Originality/Relevance: After the investigation using geoprocessing, the results generated in the form of cartographic products were evaluated and validated through field inspections to verify all situations identified as critical and assess the accuracy of the method used. It is important to note that in other studies conducted in BHRP, there was no specific objective of evaluating and validating the reality. Results: It was found that approximately 76% of the 4,170 km² area of the basin is moderately vulnerable to erosion, with nine critical areas of very high vulnerability identified, which need to reduce soil loss to avoid future effects such as drainage siltation and transport of soil nutrients. Social/Managerial contributions: Mapping the current state of land cover, land use, and preservation areas is essential to develop protection and monitoring measures. This allows for the implementation of initiatives such as Payment for Environmental Services (PSA) and the creation of a bank of priority areas, aiming to preserve water resources, especially in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil.