A engenharia civil e ambiental no desenvolvimento regional de municípios de pequeno porte e com menores índices de desenvolvimento humano

This article analyzes the role of civil engineering and environmental engineering in the regional development of small Brazilian municipalities characterized by low Human Development Indexes (HDI). The general objective is to investigate how these areas contribute to overcoming socioeconomic inequalities, focusing on urban infrastructure, basic sanitation, environmental management, and sustainability. The methodology adopted is applied in nature, with a qualitative approach, exploratory and descriptive character, based on bibliographic and documentary research from IBGE, UNDP reports, and recent scientific literature. The results show that investments in urban and rural infrastructure significantly improve health, education, and income indicators, while environmental management and basic sanitation prove to be public health strategies with immediate impacts on life expectancy. Successful case studies highlight that low-cost technical solutions, combined with community participation, are effective in transforming realities marked by social vulnerability. It is concluded that the integration between civil and environmental engineering must be understood as a strategic driver of sustainable human development, capable of strengthening public policies and reducing regional inequalities.