Contribuições do programa cidades sustentáveis nas áreas rurais: um estudo sobre o engajamento dos stakeholders

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the contributions of the Sustainable Cities Program (PCS) in rural areas of the Western Microregion of Paraná, focusing on stakeholder engagement and understanding how the implemented practices influence rural sustainability. Using a qualitative approach, the research is characterized as exploratory and descriptive, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 participants, including public administrators, secretaries of agriculture and environment, and presidents of residents' associations. Data analysis, conducted using NVivo software, revealed significant advances in natural resource management and the implementation of sustainable practices, but also highlighted challenges such as cultural resistance to change, lack of infrastructure, and scarcity of financial resources. The active participation of stakeholders, especially rural producers, was identified as crucial to the success of sustainable policies, highlighting the importance of communication and environmental education. Therefore, it is concluded that the Sustainable Cities Program (PCS) integrates Stakeholder Theory into the practice of sustainability policies, emphasizing the importance of the active engagement of different stakeholders for the effectiveness of initiatives. Although the PCS has promoted significant advances in rural areas, challenges such as lack of infrastructure and resistance to adopting new practices still persist. Furthermore, we suggest comparing the progress of projects related to rural sustainability between signatory and non-signatory municipalities. This analysis will allow us to identify whether the actions are driven by adherence to the PCS or whether they are more aligned with the pursuit of improving the quality of life and overall development of municipalities. The conclusion indicates that, although the PCS has promoted improvements, its continuity and effectiveness depend on broader engagement and an integrated approach that involves all stakeholders, suggesting that the success of sustainability initiatives requires a collective effort and collaboration between different sectors of society to address the challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the region. The main contribution of this thesis is to demonstrate that stakeholder engagement is crucial to the success of sustainability policies in rural areas, highlighting how the Sustainable Cities Program can be effectively implemented in the rural context, integrating public management, social participation, and sustainable development.