Políticas territoriais no litoral norte da Bahia : entre os meios geográficos e a avaliação ambiental estratégica

Abstract

The North Coast of Bahia (LNB) experiences several socio-spatial transformations that impact the social organization of its used territory and are responsible for many socioenvironmental conflicts in its coastal zone. These changes were motivated by: The industrialization's process of the region, which started in 1975; The metropolization process that occurred in Salvador-Ba linked to the increase of urbanization and the real estate boom; and Investments of the tourist-real estate capital associated with governmental public policies for the development of tourism. Hence, the State stands out as the leading agent in spatial production through the conception and execution of territorial policies (PTs). Consequently, this research aimed to analyze two PTs proposed by the Bahian state government (2000-2020) to transform the LNB region. A Strategic Environment Assessment (AAE) was carried out following Partidario's (2007) guidelines and adapting her protocols, elaborated to Portugal, to Brazilian and Bahian reality. AAE is an instrument developed to help evaluate the course of actions taken by the government and corporations that impact territorial dynamics. Its relevance is justified because it considers social and environmental aspects to make future policies, plans, and programs (PPPs) more effective. Associated with this methodology, Santos' (1998) geographical category used territory assisted in the critics made to the two PTs analyzed and in reflections about LNB's geographical milieu transformation. The results of this investigation demonstrate what is needed to minimize the damages to the coastal environment. It was observed during this research the need to implement guidelines for sustainable use and occupation of coastal areas, which motivate the plan-making and decision-making processes. However, there were two kinds of handicaps in the instruments: In both, continuity, systematicity, and permanent evaluation of the PTs were problematic. On the other hand, there were issues concerning good governance in one of the proposals. This research can support future territorial policies for the studied region.