The largest reserves in the capital are located in the eastern region.

One of them is the Meyambipe Ecological Reserve, which covers just over 56 km² and covers 16 districts in the east and north of the island, passing through the central region.

For Gustavo de Andrade, professor of architecture and urbanism at Udesk (University of Santa Catarina State University), environmental protection and urban zoning laws defining protected areas that already exist may be enough to protect neighborhoods in harmony with urban life. .

Lagoa da Conceição has infrastructure problems as it grows – Photo: Ponta da Av. Lacemakers – Lagoa da Conceição_Anderson Coelho_0057

However, the ignorance of the population and the lack of oversight by the mayor’s office eventually lead to construction levels spiraling out of control. “Disorder in Florianopolis is characteristic of all spheres, including the middle class.

Irregular occupation in the APL (Restricted Reserve Zone) of slopes in regions such as Canto da Lagoa and Arakash is partly a middle-class occupation, often knowing that they are doing something illegal, they enjoy a lack of oversight and impunity if “a neighbor built more than I could and it didn’t work, I’ll do the same.”

The professor explains that lately one can notice a lot of checking, but after so many irregular classes, small violations are eventually ignored.

With regard to compaction and the possibility of development in the region, even without taking into account the environmental inexpediency, the professor reflects on the cultural, tourist and economic disadvantages of this type of movement.

“It is even possible that Lagoa will continue to grow, but we need to consider whether this is desirable. What will be the consequences for ten- or twelve-story buildings? Was the impact on the landscape worth it? Seal is not necessarily bad. But a tall building is enough to wreak havoc on the landscape. And it seems that in areas like Lagoa, Sambaqui, Santo António and others in the city, the value of the landscape should take precedence over the increase in density, precisely because it is the landscape of the place that attracts people. Thus, by directly changing the landscape, you lose this economic attractiveness as well,” he explains.

Bruno Negri, president of the Association of Residents of Lagoa da Conceição, says the issue of preserving the lagoon is usually a consensus among residents.

The impasse begins to exist when measures are taken to preserve the region’s environment. “Not everyone thinks the same way. Today we are growing in denial of growth and therefore without the necessary infrastructure.”

violations

Professor Gustavo recalls one of the many turmoils associated with the administration of the region.

The mayor’s office issued permits for protected areas, culminating in a series of irregular buildings, but with a permit.

By law, buildings must have a spacing of 30 meters around lakes and ponds, according to Conama (National Environment Council). The case brought the mayor’s office of the capital to the dock, and the entire territory of Lagoa da Conceisan became the scene of a legal dispute.

“The lagoon is under federal protection, but many buildings have been approved by the mayor’s office,” says the architecture professor. The case, which Gustavo Andrade spoke about, refers to 2003, in 2014 the mayor’s office issued a guilty verdict.

In June 2021, a judge ordered the creation of a Chamber of Judicial Administration to think about the administration of Lagoa da Conceição.

It will include 15 organizations involved in urban planning, ecology, heritage, sanitation and other activities.

The action that resulted in the conviction was carried out by three environmental organizations: the Florianopol Union of Public Organizations, the NGO Costa Legal and the Pachamama Association, together with the State Ministry of Santa Catarina and the Federal Ministry.

The judge accepted the arguments and arguments presented by the plaintiffs, which warn of progressive environmental damage to Lagoa da Conceição, such as the pollution of the lagoon and the destruction of sewage treatment plants.

ND report – Photo: Data Team