Housing and environmental management in water source areas: the case of Santo André (SP)

Abstract

This article aims to survey and discuss environmental management actions and their interfaces with the housing issue in the area administered by the sub City Hall of Paranapiacaba and Parque Andreense, Santo André, SP. The focus is the political and institutional capacity established by the municipality to address such issues. The methods used were documental, literature and field research, with interviews with the municipality's managers . This research allowed to observe that the municipality has proposals with great potential to contribute to the improvement of the housing and environmental quality in the water source area, especially due to their character of integration in the planningphases. The establishment of multi-departmental councils is a potential element of integration in the actions of these organs, allowing a continuous sharing of relevant issues throughout the development of agendas. Concerning the environmental and urban regeneration of irregular settlements, it is clear that the urban parameters and the definition of land use are closely related to environmental quality and must be built jointly by professionals in urban planning and environmental area and discussed with the local community. The format of management in water source areas, the focus of this case study in the municipality of Santo André, represents a significant step to build integration between the water management system and urban/metropolitan planning.