Governance and Territorial Planning in the Sepotuba Valley

Convergences between environmental law and Urbanism in Tangará da Serra/MT

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective - To analyze, from an interdisciplinary perspective of Environmental Law and Urbanism, the territorial planning and environmental governance mechanisms applied to the Sepotuba River watershed, with an emphasis on the experience of the municipality of Tangará da Serra.

Methodology - The study was conducted through a qualitative approach, using a bibliographic and documentary review, as well as a case study focused on the municipality of Tangará da Serra to deepen the analysis of local dynamics.

Originality/relevance - The originality of this work lies in the integrated analysis of urban and environmental challenges in a transition zone between the Cerrado and Amazon biomes. The academic relevance is manifested in the investigation of the interface between municipal urban planning and water resources management at the watershed level, a topic with gaps in the literature focused on the Sepotuba Valley region.

Results - The main results identified were the challenges arising from urban expansion into ecologically sensitive areas, the institutional fragility of the Sepotuba River Watershed Committee, and a significant disconnection between municipal urban planning and the integrated management of the basin's water resources.

Theoretical/methodological contributions - The study contributes theoretically by applying an interdisciplinary framework that connects Environmental Law and Urbanism to watershed management. Methodologically, it demonstrates the effectiveness of the case study in revealing governance and planning failures at different scales (municipal and watershed).

Social and environmental contributions - The main social and environmental implications identified point to the urgent need for normative and institutional integration. The study offers concrete recommendations aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, ensuring the conservation of natural resources for present and future generations, and strengthening environmental governance in the Sepotuba Valley region, directly benefiting the nine municipalities in the basin.