CONDITIONING FACTORS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHERN COAST OF SÃO PAULO STATE – THE EXAMPLE OF LAGOINHA CREEK CATCHMENT BASIN – UBATUBA – SP, BRAZIL.

Abstract

The Northern Coast of Sao Paulo State is naturally endowed for the tourismrelated activities, especially focused on the use of natural resources, of beaches and coastal waters. The systematic studies performed by CETESB on the quality of coastal waters revealed the degradation in their quality, especially from domestic sewage contamination. The purpose of the performance of this work was to find the conditioning factors for a sustainable tourism-based development, using a representative area as a model. The chosen area was the drainage basin of Lagoinha creek in the county of Ubatuba. This choice was the result of its physical and anthropic characteristics typical of the region. Basic thematic and integrated maps were made on a scale of 1:10,000. The description was made of the current status of this geo-system and the relevant local legislation while studies were carried out to correlate this area in the regional context. Space analysis methods, lists and matrixes were used to interpret the data. The conditioning factors were identified as being, geologic formations, water resources, legislation, the road system, relative variation in the average sea level and the current spread of urbanization. Suggestions are offered to mitigate the effects of anthropic action on the environmental quality that will prejudice regional tourism.