Curitiba, Brazil: A Model for Resilience in Latin America?

Abstract

During the 1960s and 1970s, Curitiba, the eighth largest city of Brazil and the capital of the Brazilian federal state of Paraná, experienced a demographic expansion of up to 5.7% annually. The implementation of progressive environmental policy in Curitiba dates back to this time. During this period, city authorities began to create parks and preserve the remnants of natural forests. A master plan for urban development was implemented beginning in the 1970s. By 1998, 1,100 permanent preservation sites had been established within Curitiba’s special green area sector. Arborisation (i.e., tree-planting) of the city’s streets was also intensified. Today, Curitiba has about 50 m² of green area per capita. According to current regulations in Curitiba, the felling of isolated trees requires a permit from the Environmental Secretary. The city also takes advantages from a state law that provides tax benefits for the sound management of conservation areas. As this paper discusses, a significant part of the city’s population is involved in environmental programmes to support poverty alleviation and reduce livelihood vulnerability. Although problems still persist within the city, Curitiba is well known for its policy in favour of well-ordered urban development, sophisticated public transportation systems and environmental conservation – attributes that give Curitiba its reputation as a modern resilient city.