Análise das estratégias sustentáveis de promoção do desenvolvimento no município de São Gabriel

Abstract

This paper analyzes sustainable strategies in promoting local development and, through bibliographic research, seeks to substantiate questions related to sustainable and local development. The target region of the study is the municipality of São Gabriel, city located in the western frontier of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The goal of the paper consists in analyzing the initiatives and perceptions of experts linked to organizations of the municipality regarding proposals and decisions that have a say in the promotion of sustainable local development. An exploratory and descriptive research was conducted, including a survey and analysis of the programs and projects existing in the region with actions focused on sustainable development. Two documents were identified and analyzed: Strategic Plan for the Development of the Western Frontier Region and the São Gabriel Municipality Strategic Plan. Later, a data collection tool was devised, utilized with semi-structured questions forwarded to the experts. The interviewees were selected on the grounds of their status as specialists and/or representatives of organizations involved in local development. After analyzing the results and debates, it was concluded that the most urgent social demand identified by the experts in the municipality of São Gabriel is the availability of job-oriented courses, while the environmental problems that need top priority attention in the municipality include the disposal of solid waste, sewage treatment, pollution and silting of rivers. The principles that should be followed if sustainable local development is to be achieved, are as follows: a grasp of the local demands; development of people’s awareness; integration of the Municipal Secretariats; integration of the Prefecture with other spheres; investment in education and environmental awareness, and policies focused on qualifying countryside people. Through this research it is possible to list the priority actions intended to boost the local economy, where the highlights are personal qualification and job-oriented training; implementation of effective solid waste treatment plants; personal qualification and distribution of healthcare equipment throughout the municipality; availability of areas for industrial expansion.