ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION IN COASTAL AREAS: ILHA GRANDE, RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL) AND ÎLE D'OLÉRON (FRANCE)

The premise of this study is that environmental sanitation is a central element for fostering integrated debates on the environment and contributing to sustainability in island regions. The aim of this research was to uncover the main challenges and actions in the field of environmental sanitation, focusing on domestic effluents and solid waste in the coastal areas of two tourist islands. The methodology applied in this research was based on a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews and bibliographic review. The conclusions of this study revealed that both islands initially faced similar socio-environmental problems and conflicts, such as the decline in the quality of the coastal environment. On Île d’Oléron, these issues were mitigated through participatory management programs for environmental sanitation, involving civil society and a decentralized public policy approach. In contrast, Ilha Grande exhibits a centralized public management system, a lack of effective strategies, and inadequate tools for efficient environmental sanitation management.