TERRITORIES

PLANNING FOR COEXISTENCE IN VULNERABLE TERRITORIES

Strengthening ecosystems, building socio-territorial resilience in Paranaguá Bay

Type of project: Territorial planning| Research by design

European Post-Masters in Urbanism Thesis

Year: 2019

Menthor: Paola Viganò Between the Atlantic Ocean and the last continuous remnant of the Atlantic Rainforest, Paranaguá Bay region, in Southern

Brazil, is one of the few urban territories in the world that have the privilege of detaining nature as it was shaped in its

genesis. Both regional economy and culture are supported by its diversifed ecosystems, that offer the basis for the traditional groups subsistence, support port activities and regulate natural events.

However, the increasing pressures from urbanisation, infrastructure expansion and the global market are causing the fragmentation and degradation of its ecosystems. As a consequence, the population is more exposed to environmental risks,

and the regional economic development is declining.

Acknowledging that unsustainable ways of living and producing in this territory are threatening its unique biodiversity and are undermining their own progress, how can planning and design promote

the harmonious coexistence between nature conservation and regional socio-economic development?

Pressures on ecosystems > Interpretation of the current situation

STRATEGY - ’XL’ SCALE

The territory as a resource: Strengthening ecosystems, building resilience

The transformation of Paranaguá Bay region into a territory of coexistence relies upon two strategic systems that support one another and are based in three perspectives: the human activities, the natural ecosystems and the spaces/infrastructures that connect them.

The frst strategic system is supported by the natural habitats, topography, waterways, rural spaces, and the borders of urban areas and conservation units. It aims to strengthen the territorial ecosystems by creating connectivity where infrastructure and human activities fragmented the landscape, as well as by constructing

spatial gradients in which more sustainable economic models and new ecologies can develop.

The second strategic system explores the potentialities of the human systems and how they may contribute to reinforcing the landscape ones. New mobility networks between urban areas and the rural settlements reinforce territorial identity, the traditional communities economic activities, and provide access to urban services. They further support new densifed urban areas and interventions in territorial landmarks, which are transformed to house multi-functional spaces. 11

STRATEGY - ’S’ SCALE / EXPLORING POSSIBILITIES IN VULNERABLE AREAS

Through an inter-scalar approach, possible scenarios are created in strategic vulnerable areas, in order to explore how the strategic systems can transform the spaces where people live and produce. The strategies proposed explore how the territorial systems can support nature-based design alternatives to build

resilience and allow a more sustainable regional development.

01_RIVER VALLEYS 02_COASTAL AREAS 03_SLOPES

Current situation Mono agricultural activities are causing biodiversity loss and increasing exposition to natural disasters as well as diminishing economic resiliency in the territory. Current situation Low density urbanisation is increasing and causing environmental fragmentation and exposition to risks. Current situation Urbanisation and deforestation in slope areas increase slide risks and threatens the local population.

Scenario What if agroforestry created the conditions for new economic activities for the local population and diminish exposition to environmental risks? Scenario What if urban space was redesigned in order to carry new green and resilient infrastructures? Scenario What if public space in slope areas could accomodate new blue infrastructure in order to diminish risks?