The preservation of coastal zones in tourist regions is essential for maintaining sensitive ecosystems and ensuring socioeconomic sustainability. Internationally significant destinations along the northeastern Brazilian coast face increasing anthropogenic pressures and legislative gaps that threaten their ecological integrity. This article examines the legal evolution of Brazil’s Forest Codes (Laws 4.771/1965, 7.511/1986, and 12.651/2012), focusing on coastal areas, and compares two municipalities with distinct coastal dynamics and types of Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs): Barreirinhas (Maranhão) and Valença (Bahia). The methodology included: (I) a theoretical review; (II) analysis of the legal framework; (III) PPAs mapping in accordance with legal criteria; and (IV) a comparative land-use analysis (1990-2023) using MapBiomas data. The results show divergent trends: in Barreirinhas, the PPAs reduced their area from 677.5km² to 649.6km² (-4%), while anthropogenic activities (agriculture, urbanization, and bare soil) increased from 27.7km² to 30.3km² (from 10% to 13.3%). In Valença, the PPAs expanded their area from 161.1km² to 228.6km² (42%); however, inadequate land uses within protected areas also increased, indicating weaknesses in conservation effectiveness. The study concludes that PPA delineation must integrate hydrological, ecological, and ecosystem-based criteria, including salt flats, saline areas, mobile dunes, and riparian zones at the national level. This approach, supported by global scientific evidence, is urgently needed to preserve critical coastal ecosystems, particularly in high-impact tourism regions.
Soares et al. (Sat,) studied this question.