The classification of the caves relevance degree as a compatibility mechanism

Abstract

The caves are established as subterranean geological features endowed with a complex and varied network of environmental attributes. However, alongside the environmental side, economic issues also manifest themselves in relation to the underground environment. Given this aspect, the environmental legal discipline applicable to caves has changed in recent years after the advent of Federal Decree No. 6,640/2008. By means of the mentioned diploma, a new form of treatment of the caves was established in Brazil with the definition of its protection being effected by means of its “classification of the degree of relevance”. In this context, the present study has as objective to present the new system applicable to caves considering classification of degree of relevance as a mechanism of compatibilization. In this way, the criteria for the implementation of this instrument are analyzed, as well as the environmental dimension and the constitutional guarantee of the ecological balance.