Governança de hortas urbanas comunitárias: contribuição para o fortalecimento da resiliência urbana

Abstract

Growing urbanization has worsened social inequalities, unemployment, and food insecurity, all over the world. Due to increasing population, growth, the big cities became the most relevant global emitters of greenhouse gases, intensifying global warming. People living in developing countries are deeply affected by these processes. Actions are necessary to mitigate and adapt territories and populations to risks and damages foreseen or already present. The search for strengthening urban resilience has expanded in global and local programs. Locally, community initiatives have emerged from the interaction between social groups interested in transforming their territories, increasing their quality of life, and, consequently, acting on social issues. The implementation of urban green commons emerges as one of these initiatives, as green spaces for agricultural cultivation mainly maintained by voluntary work. Benefits derived from the consolidation of these initiatives can be seen on biodiversity, local microclimate, empowerment of communities, and encouragement of environmental education. These benefits are positive for nations and municipalities more vulnerable to urbanization and climate change intensification, like Brazil and Salvador city – the largest city in the Brazilian Northeast. For these and other benefits to be maximized, it is crucial to define management and governance practices that maintain and expand the operation of urban green commons, This study aims to identify urban garden governance practices that contribute to the maintenance and expansion of the operation of urban green commons, in Salvador city, thus strengthening urban resilience. The methodology used was based on a literature review and two case studies, resulting in three articles. Based on literature data, it was possible to prove the potential contribution of urban green commons to the resilience of the places where they were implanted. Social actors and their responsibilities in the system were identified in order to evaluate governance practices, Subsequently, such activities were validated in loco, in active gardens in Salvador. In conclusion, there is a need for greater engagement of the actors involved in developing initiatives - especially civil society and government - so that their benefits are enhanced. In a medium and long-term scenario, their contribution to strengthening resilience is significant both for Salvador and other cities dedicated to expanding the performance of urban green commons in their territories.