Construindo o futuro com raízes no passado: aplicação de soluções baseadas na natureza para redução de riscos no Porto do Capim, João Pessoa/PB.

Abstract

On the bank of the river Paraiba, in João Pessoa, there is the traditional riparian community of Porto do Capim, where more than 500 families have lived for more than 70 years. Situated in an environmentally fragile area within the city's historic center, this popular settlement has been fighting for its right to remain in the territory for at least 40 years, as numerous efforts have been made to remove its residents. The area is not only threatened by the risk of eviction but also faces hydrological risks, such as flooding, which has even been used as a justification for the community's removal. Several projects have been proposed with the goal of relocating the community, but only in 2024 was a project approved that did not have this objective, as it was developed by the residents themselves. To support the community's fight to stay, this study proposes the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) — interventions that use natural elements to address socio-environmental issues — to mitigate socio-environmental risks, improve the quality of life, and enhance the urban space of the settlement. The research adopts a qualitative approach, analyzing criteria such as available space, slope, impermeable areas, and the frequency of extreme rainfall. Finally, the study highlights the importance of integrating environmental concerns into urban planning, demonstrating that, instead of removing the community, the situation can be addressed by providing adequate infrastructure and urban services that respect nature and offer a dignified life to the local population.