The 2008 map of consolidated rural areas in the Brazilian Legal Amazon state of Mato Grosso: Accuracy assessment and implications for the environmental regularization of rural properties

Accurate land use mapping in the Amazon is crucial to support implementation of environmental policies. The new Brazilian Forest Code published 2012 defines a “consolidated rural area” (CRA) as an area within property and occupied by humans prior July 22, 2008. Environmental infractions that occurred before date are granted amnesty landowners exempted from obligation restore degraded areas. To assess compliance owners with legislation, government created Rural Registry (CAR), for mandatory electronic self-declaration all private properties. successful CAR relies on accurate CRA reference objective present paper accuracy 2008 map consolidated areas (CRA2008) result fruitful collaboration between non-governmental organization (NGO), state administration academic institutions. CRA2008 was produced photo-interpretation high resolution remote sensing images validated after comparison 90 aerial photographs. validation metrics (overall = 0.926, Kappa index 0.851 F-score 0.924) confirmed reliability map. Most errors identified were due imprecision at edges native vegetation because different spatial resolutions Consequently, results slightly lower (although still high; 0.835) biome where landscapes more fragmented. Finally, context severe criticisms expressed national leaders towards research institutions NGOs, our clearly demonstrate benefits combining institutional efforts working synergy produce relevant information aim ensuring public policies thereby improving sustainability Amazon.