The use of DPSIR framework to evaluate sustainability in coastal areas. Case study: Guanabara Bay basin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

The Guanabara Bay basin, SE Brazil, is shown as an experimental site to evaluate development and sustainability in coastal areas. We developed a Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework in a practical context to integrate natural and socio-economic indicators. Sustainability reflects public policies towards the utilization of natural resources. Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) included in DPSIR evaluates losses and benefits resulting from such policies. CBA has some limitations due to the difficulty of valuating environmental goods and services. Instead of valuating them we propose to combine sustainability indicators and defensive expenditures for the implementation of public policies. This approach agrees with the environmental conservation paradigm implicit in sustainable development. It allows an estimation of the physical natural capital depreciation (PNCD), by using it to correct the gross domestic product (GDP) of the study area, and demonstrating the present non-sustainable characteristics of the current policies applied to the area.

The DPSIR Framework and a Pressure-Oriented Water Quality Monitoring Approach to Ecological River Restoration

“…This can be seen from the literature, e.g., about biological invasions in Europe [17] and assessment of forest management strategies [18]. Regarding water problems, the DPSIR framework has been used for several purposes, with regard to sustainability evaluation in coastal areas [19], integrated catchment-coastal zone management [20,21], and urbanization and subsurface environmental issues [22]. Moreover, using the DPSIR framework together with other methodologies in identifying relevant pressures and impacts has been demonstrated to be a useful approach in assessing the risk of failing to meet the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) [23].…”

The Effect of Harvesting on Mangrove Forest Structure and the Use of Matrix Modelling to Determine Sustainable Harvesting Practices in South Africa

“…The Drivers-Pressures-Status-ImpactResponse (DPSIR) framework focuses on the connecting relationships between the Driving forces that are usually societal and economic developments that place the environment under Pressure which alters the State of the environment, and Impacts on the ecosystems. The Response from society is usually in the form of regulatory laws or rehabilitation plans depending on the situation (Bidone & Lacerda, 2004;Maxim et al, 2009;Omann et al, 2009;Atkins et al, 2011). The DPSIR framework allows managers and scientists to highlight issues that must be prioritised with regard to management of natural systems.…”

Remnant Vegetation Analysis of Guanabara Bay Basin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Using Geographical Information System

“…According to Freitas et al (2010) roads and topography are not the current drivers of deforestation, but they act as attractors of land-use change and deforestation. In Guanabara Bay basin the observed linearity is due to the high rates of population growth and to unplanned occupation of watersheds, without the proper infrastructure to cope with their effluents (Bidone & Lacerda, 2004). According to Moraes (2009), escalating drought, deforestation, capitation, irresponsible land use, and pollution are direct consequences that demand an integrated management scheme.…”

“…The river profiles are characterized by a strong slope change in a few tens of miles to a relief of hills before reaching the coastal plain (Bidone & Lacerda, 2003). The upper part of the basin occurs in the oceanic ridge of the Serra do Mar, a mountain system, with a maximum of 2,000 to 2,200 m and consists of a block of cracks inclined to the northnortheast (Cabral et al, 2007).…”