Investimentos públicos em áreas verdes urbanas em Palmas - TO como fator de diferenciação socioambiental

Abstract

This research concentrates on the development of urban green areas by local governments and also its impacts on social segregation. The main focus resides in the fact that urban green areas are usually scarce and in high demand by the affluent, consequently promoting a buoyant market. The next step of the vicious cycle relates to the interest of the local governments in developing areas for higher-end consumers, be it for eyeing higher property taxes or by the imposition of pressure groups such as property developers and specific residents. In that way, social segregation could be reinforced, given that public investment usually is diverted from distant and low-income areas. On the other hand, as highlighted by many researchers, urban green spaces are vital for the well-being of the residents and their development should be carefully planned by local governments. It is of paramount importance the location of these areas in the urban grid. This research concentrated in the City of Palmas - Tocantins, Brazil. With the aim to clarify the local government decisions process on these matters, bibliography and documentary research were produced, as well as interviews with local government officials and geospatial mapping. The research found evidence that the majority of investments in green urban areas were made in the central and affluent areas of the City. The hypothesis that the South region, with a majority of low-income residents, is not receiving significant investment in the development of urban green areas, despite its populational density, was confirmed. The evidence gathered indicates that the latest actions from local government is therefore reinforcing social and spatial inequality in the City of Palmas, when the expected would be exactly the opposite.