CONTRADICTIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF URBAN PERMANENT PRESERVATION AREAS IN BRAZIL

This sutdy examines the management of urban Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs) in Brazil, highlighting the structural, regulatory, and political-institutional limitations that undermine their effectiveness in environmental protection and the promotion of socio-spatial equity. APPs are essential for climate regulation and the protection of sensitive ecosystems, but they face pressures related to irregular occupation, real estate speculation, and fragmented public governance. The study aims to analyze the challenges affecting the management of these areas and propose guidelines that integrate territorial planning, collaborative governance, and critical environmental education, with the goal of transforming APPs into regenerative and inclusive territories. The research adopts a deductive method with a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach. Data collection was conducted through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of secondary data, such as legislation, case studies, and technical reports. Geographic hermeneutics was employed as a tool to interpret socio-environmental and regulatory dynamics. The results indicate that regulatory contradictions, political-institutional conflicts, and gaps in public policies are the main obstacles to the management of these areas. The case of the Billings Reservoir exemplifies how irregular occupation and the lack of effective housing policies exacerbate environmental degradation and social exclusion. It is concluded that a systemic and interdisciplinary approach, incorporating integrated planning, community participation, and educational strategies, is indispensable for transforming APPs into effective instruments of sustainability and socio-environmental justice.