THE CATIMBAU VALLEY PARADOX: BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND THE URGENCY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE SEMI-ARID REGION OF PERNAMBUCO

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the paradox existing in the Catimbau Valley, officially Catimbau National Park, located in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, between environmental conservation and the urgency of social development for the surrounding communities. Catimbau National Park, created on December 13, 2002, covers an area of 62,294.14 hectares distributed across the municipalities of Buíque, Ibimirim, and Tupanatinga, and represents one of Brazil's most important natural and cultural heritages, housing the country's second-largest archaeological site and a unique biodiversity of the Caatinga. The research adopted a qualitative approach, with bibliographic and documentary surveys, in addition to extensive field research carried out with the assistance of local guide Manuel, which enabled direct observation of geological formations, biodiversity, and archaeological sites, as well as contact with local communities. The results show that, despite the environmental richness and tourism potential, the municipalities that make up the park have Human Development Indexes (HDI) between 0.527 and 0.552, well below the national average of 0.786, configuring a paradox between environmental preservation and social vulnerability. It is concluded that the implementation of a sustainable development model, based on community-based ecotourism, entrepreneurial training, and integrated public policies, is essential for the conservation of the Catimbau Valley to go hand in hand with improving the quality of life of more than 112,000 people and more than 2,250 small businesses in the region.