Sustainable Urbanization in Valley-Bottom Areas in Urban Settings: The Case of the Jaguaré Stream Basin, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

This article addresses the sustainable urbanization model of urban valley-bottom areas, focusing on the Jaguaré stream basin in São Paulo, Brazil. It tackles the challenge of integrating environmental criteria into the management of urbanized watersheds to promote urban and environmental resilience through adaptive infrastructures. São Paulo, the largest and most populous city in Brazil, has often overlooked the natural characteristics of watersheds, resulting in significant flooding and necessitating a reassessment of urban practices. The study, through the analysis of a referential project, qualitative analyses, and geoprocessing techniques, proposes an urbanization model in valley bottom areas that combines adaptive infrastructures—green-blue and gray infrastructures. It highlights the importance of a systemic, transdisciplinary, and integrated approach that considers the political-administrative, environmental, urbanistic, and infrastructural dimensions to address the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization. Specific recommendations are presented to adapt urbanized valley-bottom areas, emphasizing nature-based solutions and community participation in the management of hydrological risks towards the promotion of sustainable and fair urban spaces.