Capacidade de uso e ocupação dos solos urbanos de Itajubá (MG)

Abstract

The processes of expansion and urban development of cities are continuous and intrinsic to human nature, transforming not only landscapes and the dynamics of the physical environment, but directly affecting urban soils. When these changes brought about in favor of development are not linked to sustainable growth and a correct assessment of the capability to use and occupy urban land, a series of problems are caused that contribute both to the increase in the processes of degradation of the urban environment and to the reduction of the quality of life of the population, causing numerous social conflicts. In this sense, the present work aims to identify the capability to use and occupy urban land, in Itajubá (MG), where the characteristics of the factors of the physical environment are considered. For this, geoprocessing techniques were used, aiming to unite the factors that best represent the three-dimensional space of interest, resulting in a map that expresses the real capability for use and occupation of urban land in Itajubá. As a result, the classes of aptitude for urban constructions (24.9km²), aptitude for urban constructions and urban agriculture (6.0 km²), aptitude for environmental preservation (12.33km²) and aptitude for waste disposal (0.0km). Subsequently, they were analyzed together with the capability for use and occupation of urban land, the use and occupation of land in the area of interest, identifying the regions that have degradation processes. This analysis made it possible to verify the conflicts of use of existing urban lands in relation to the map of capability for use and occupation of urban lands to the municipal urban zoning. The municipal urban zoning of Itajubá only delimits the urban expansion zones, and does not establish a hierarchy of which uses should be prioritized for urban land in these areas, which can potentiate the existence of conflicts in these urban lands. The identified areas presenting conflicts between the current use and the capability to use and occupy urban land are located in the northeast region where the implantation of a technology park takes place in an area that was classified as of environmental preservation, in the south and southwest portions that show the growing presence of residences in areas that could be destined for horticulture and/or the installation of leisure areas, such as parks, squares and forest gardens, highlighting the contrasts with the capability for use and occupation of urban land in these places, which can contribute to the increase of environmental degradation in the city in the future. Finally, it is concluded that the identification of the capability to use and occupy urban land in Itajubá can help urban planning, in the medium and long term, in a more adequate management of urban land which, if carried out in a sustainable way, can lead to the reduction of existing environmental degradation processes. Consequently, the reduction of expenses with corrective measures can be reversed in investments for the prevention of disasters due to extreme events and in the implantation of sustainable urban elements for the better quality of life of the population.