Multivariate analysis of pressures and driving factors affecting the environmental status of the Rio De Janeiro coastal zone

Coastal areas of the State of Rio de Janeiro represent a wealth of natural resources and are rich of biodiversity, habitat types and nutrients. The same areas also support several human and economic activities. Environmental policies in these areas need to address a multitude of management and environmental impact issues. In such a complexity a multivariate classification of the driving factors and pressures controlling the environmental status of the system may help to support management decisions and to identify action priorities and future environmental concerns.