Geo-environment and characterization of beach uses in Costa do Dendê, Southern State of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The Costa do Dendê presents a great ecologic, cultural and historic wealth. Its several ecosystems – bays, waterfalls, mangroves, restinga forests, estuaries, among others – are favorable for tourism and recreation activities. This paper describes the geo-environment and beach use in Costa do Dendê, based on its geomorphology and morphodynamic, on the presence of beach commercial activities and constructions near the sea, on the occurrence of erosion process and on the impacts of tourism in the area. The different morphology, environment and urban land use of the beach indicate the need of a particular management model for each part of the coast which allows its development with compatible activities.