Challenges and perspectives of the rural environmental registry: a look at the Cachoeira river basin, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

The Rural Environmental Cadastre (CAR) and the Environmental Compliance Program (PRA), established by Brazil’s Forest Code (Law No. 12,651/2012), are critical tools for environmental management of rural properties. Despite progress in their implementation, the CAR faces challenges such as overlapping land parcels, data inconsistencies, and discrepancies in declarations of Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) and Legal Reserves (LRs). This study assessed the effectiveness of the CAR in the Cachoeira River Basin, southern Bahia, Brazil, by comparing its graphical and descriptive data with existing cadastral systems. Results revealed deficiencies in data integration, technical inaccuracies, and gaps in environmental compliance. We propose the development of standardized protocols for CAR validation, alongside the adoption of the international land administration framework (Land Administration Domain Model—LADM) in Brazil, to harmonize systems and ensure cartographic precision. Additionally, fostering awareness among rural producers regarding legal obligations and sustainable conservation practices is essential. The proposed standardization can mitigate conflicts, improve environmental regularization and support public policies. inglesa.