Occupation of Environmentally Fragile Areas and Risks to the Community

Minimum Criteria to Guarantee Safe and Healthy Housing

Abstract

Objective To analyse the occupation of environmentally fragile areas of informal settlements and to propose minimum occupation criteria that guarantee safety and health, reconciling the right to safe housing with environmental protection.

Methodology The theoretical part of the article was based on a bibliographical review. For the case study, urban policy documents were analysed. The interdisciplinary analysis, carried out using geoprocessing tools, was based on the overlap of erosion zones, soil contamination, loss of aquifer recharge and housing areas.

Originality/Relevance It fills a gap in the integration of environmental and urban planning dimensions aimed at guiding urban land regularisation projects where the population can clearly identify the reasons for settling and/or relocating.

Results The adoption of minimum occupation criteria, based on risk data, demonstrated the possibility of mitigating socio-environmental risks without displacing residents. The proposed measures prevent social damage and guarantee sustainable solutions for the local population.

Theoretical/Methodological Contributions Highlights the importance of integrating environmental aspects into land regularisation plans. Methodologically, the use of geoprocessing serves as an effective tool for creating results based on visual evidence, which more clearly guide urban planning decisions in vulnerable areas.

Social and Environmental Contributions Presents solutions that guarantee safe housing for low-income populations in risk areas and proposes measures to preserve natural resources, balancing human rights and environmental protection.