Governance and territorial conservation in protected areas of the Atlantic Rainforest

This study analyzes the normative and legal status of Protected Areas (PAs) in the Atlantic Rainforest of southern Bahia, northeastern Brazil, focusing on their operational mechanisms and environmental management. A geographic database of 136 PAs was built, integrating information on category, protection group (Sustainable Use or Full Protection), management sphere (Federal, State, Municipal, or Private), and the implementation status of management plans and councils. The findings reveal a predominance of Sustainable Use Areas, especially in coastal zones, and a strong presence of privately managed PAs. A significant degree of territorial overlap was observed, indicating institutional conflicts and weak coordination across management spheres. Only one officially established mosaic was identified, highlighting the absence of integrated conservation strategies. Logistic regression showed that Full Protection areas and those under State management are more likely to have management plans. Although the statistical influence of management sphere and protection group on the implementation of management councils was not significant, descriptive analysis revealed disparities: 71.4% of Full Protection areas have a council, compared to only 16.4% of Sustainable Use areas. These results underscore institutional inequalities in the implementation of management instruments, which directly affect conservation outcomes. The absence of management plans and councils hinders effective planning, monitoring, and public participation. Strengthening inter-institutional coordination, expanding participatory mechanisms, and promoting territorial integration through mosaics are essential to enhance PA effectiveness and safeguard biodiversity. The findings provide valuable insights for environmental managers and policymakers, supporting improved governance of protected areas and more effective management of ecologically vulnerable territories.