Martins, M.B.; Vilani, R.M., and Soares, M.L.G., 2020. Conceptual model for analysis of vulnerabilities, potentials and preservation actions for geoenvironmental units in the coastal zone. In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 880–884. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The coastal zone is a mosaic of ecosystems and natural resources strategically important for the economic development of society. In this region, as a result of different projects, looks and material and immaterial representations, several disputes and conflicts emerge. Most of these activities cause environmental impacts. In order to mitigate negative impacts and maximize positive impacts, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is required. ICZM is defined as an environmental management system composed of structures and processes that are organized to catalyze sustainable development in the coastal zone. Aiming to support the ICZM in the studied area, the Environmental Protection Area - EPA of Pau Brasil (Southeastern Brazil), a Mind Map was drawn. The main axis of the map is based on the occupation of the protected area, from which one can view information inputs and outputs. Inputs are all information about the EPA, eg. physical characteristics that determine each of the geoenvironmental units, legislation and demands for use and their potential impacts. This information is processed within the EPA, generating the outputs, which are characterized by the management decisions, structures and processes, which would include conservation strategies and allowed uses. This hierarchical information diagram made it possible to identify the environmental vulnerabilities of each geoenvironmental unit, potentialities and possible management actions, including both conservation strategies and allowed uses, as well as to determine each legislation that protects these geoenvironmental units. The occupation of the coastal zone presupposes that society will modify and transform nature to supply its material needs without considering or understanding, in most cases, the dynamics and environmental impacts of anthropic activities. Thus, the mapping of vulnerability, potentiality and conservation action for geoenvironmental units is presented as a tool that can improve management in order to minimize adverse impacts on nature and enhance the benefits to society.