PMaster's research presented at the Institute of Geosciences (IG) warns of the increase in recreational farms in the Ribeirão dos Pires sub-basin, in Limeira, in the State of São Paulo. Geographer Ricardo Gontijo carried out a detailed study using geoprocessing techniques and identified a recent phenomenon in that region, observed in areas designated for second homes by individuals seeking greater proximity to nature. The problem, highlights Gontijo, is that the occupation is advancing in areas of environmental protection.

“The place presents significant urban growth, represented mainly by lots of recreational farms, which are spread across regions of great economic dynamism, due to the proximity of the Anhanguera Highway”, highlights Gontijo, who is a professor at the Colégio Técnico de Limeira (Cotil) from Unicamp.

The geographer found that the urban growth process in the region advanced from 2,5% in 1978 to 12,5% ​​in 2006. This means an area of ​​360 hectares, considered as unconsolidated urban. “The increase in new subdivisions is inevitable, if there is no greater intervention from public authorities”, he explains. Gontijo's concern goes further. According to him, there is real estate speculation in the area, even preventing the regularization of subdivisions in the region. “Enterprises are not taxed like urban areas and the regularization process is very slow. Another concern is the spread of urban values ​​in rural areas, which results in negative consequences such as an increase in violence,” he denounces.

The analyses, guided by professor Lindon Fonseca Matias, also point to the growth of sugar cane plantations around the study area. In 1978, 7,24% of the area was temporarily cultivated with sugarcane, and in 2006, this number jumped to 34,77%, with a tendency for even greater growth. On the other hand, perennial crops such as oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits decreased from 45,97% in 1978, to 27,02% in 2006. According to him, this reveals a pessimistic outlook, due to greater soil wear, in areas that should be protected.