BRAZILIAN SEMI-ARID REGION. A TERRITORY OF THREE BIOMES

Abstract

The Brazilian Semi-arid is a complex region, not only in terms of climate but also in terms of geography, history, vegetation, and socioeconomic aspects. Initially delimited in 1936 as the "Polygon of Droughts", the region was predominantly associated with the Brazilian Northeast, but over time, its understanding and delimitation have been expanded and refined. This study aimed to analyze the contribution of the three main Brazilian biomes - Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest - in the composition of the Brazilian Semiarid. Using data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the research mapped the presence of these biomes and their transitions in the semi-arid region. The results revealed that the Caatinga is the predominant biome in the region, present in about 78% of the municipalities and covering more than 75% of the total area of the Semi-arid region. However, there was a significant increase in the presence of the Cerrado Complex and the Atlantic Forest Biome, indicating environmental diversification in the region. These findings have important implications for public policy planning, suggesting the need for more localized approaches adapted to the specific characteristics of each area to promote the sustainable development and resilience of semi-arid communities.