Sustaining Port Activities Through Nature Conservation: The Case of Paraná Coast in Southern Brazil

The South and Southeast of Brazil’s coastal region are marked by the presence of the Serra do Mar, an orographic chain that extended over 1500 km between the states of Santa Catarina and Rio de Janeiro. This environment has a characteristic susceptibility to a high rate of sediment production due to the erosion capacity of the river network and the intensity of rains. As a result, the silting of the bay areas downstream is constant, intensified by poorly managed agricultural activity, deforestation, and the realignment of rivers. Dredging operations are necessary to maintain navigability and to make port activity in the region viable. The conservation of the remaining Atlantic Forest and the recovery of vegetation in degraded areas and river banks contribute to mitigate sediment production. These actions are attractive to port activity, creating an opportunity for economic development and nature conservation. In this work, the case of the coast of Paraná in the South of Brazil will be presented, addressing the physical characteristics of the region and the way inappropriate land use magnifies sediment production in the area. In conclusion, alternative means of economic development will be presented, focusing on generating income from the area’s potential.