ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE IN BINATIONAL SCENARIO

Abstract

Study objective: analyze environmental governance in a binational scenario, specifically in the twin cities of Ponta Porã (Brazil) and Pedro Juan Caballero (Paraguay), seeking to identify the national environmental policies of the two countries (joint and individual actions) and their impacts/ effectiveness in an international territory.

Methodology/approach: with a qualitative approach, the methodological scope initially, is based on theoretical contributions of the environmental governance and complemented with an empirical study in loco made through semi-structured interviews with municipal representatives of the two countries.

Originality/relevance: the environmental theme requires discussion of the negative and positive effects of both economic and urban-demographic growth. Thus, reflections on ecological interdependence cannot be neglected, either locally or globally. These challenges are strengthened in territories located at the international frontier, especially when characterized by conurbation, as in the case studied.

Main results: faced with the complexity of a binational scenario, the decentralization proposed by the principles of environmental governance implies, firstly, the breaking of political, cultural and legal barriers; in addition, it was verified that it is imperative that both governments work together to raise awareness and promote the environmental concern of the population.

Theoretical/methodological contributions: environmental governance in binational territory must be planned and guided by public managers on both sides of the border, as neglecting the complexity and challenges imposed by this political and administrative division confers great inconsistency on the effectiveness of individualized actions.

Conclusion: In this binational scenario, the application of the principles of environmental governance becomes extremely relevant, but its effectiveness is conditioned by different factors.