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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Analyzing public hearings in environmental licensing: who are and what say the participants about sugarcane mill projects

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Author(s):
Carla Grigoletto Duarte [1] ; Victoria Helena Ferreira [2] ; Luis Enrique Sánchez [3]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Politécnica - Brasil
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades - Brasil
[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Politécnica - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Saúde e Sociedade; v. 25, n. 4, p. 1075-1094, 2016-12-00.
Abstract

Abstract Public hearings are the primary mechanism for public participation in Brazilian environmental licensing. Created to inform and listen to the public, the hearings are criticized for their low influence on decision-making, resulting, among other reasons, from its late occurrence in the licensing process. Seeking to explore the theme in a sector where public participation is not usually researched, this paper presents an analysis of 25 public hearings about the process of environmental licensing of sugarcane mills in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Most of the 62 participants are citizens, followed by representatives of local governments and representatives of civil society organizations. Regarding the characteristics of speeches, 50.9% were statements/comments, 15.2% highlighted positive aspects of the project/company, 11.2% were questions, 9.4% highlighted negative aspects, 5.4% were suggestions; 6.5% were for endorsing the project, and 1.4% for opposing. As for themes, employment and income generation and the company’s reputation are the most frequent, highlighted mainly for its positive aspects. These themes differ from those discussed in the literature as relevant for sugarcane expansion impact, showing a marked difference between citizens’ and scientists’ perspectives about its social and environmental consequences. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/04285-0 - Sustainability Assessment and Impact Assessment in the Sugar-energy Sector: an Analysis of the Potential Contributions in São Paulo State
Grantee:Carla Grigoletto Duarte
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral