THE URBANIZATION OF THE SOUTHERN ZONE OF ILHÉUS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ENVIRONMENTAL, URBAN PLANNING, AND REAL ESTATE LAW

Abstract

This article analyzes the urbanization process of the southern zone of the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia, from the perspective of Environmental, Urban Planning, and Real Estate Law, aiming to understand the socio-environmental impacts resulting from the accelerated urban expansion observed in the coastal region over recent decades. The research is based on the understanding that the production of urban space is directly related to the dynamics of contemporary capitalism, in which real estate valorization and economic interests influence the organization and occupation of the territory. The study is theoretically grounded on authors such as Henri Lefebvre, David Harvey, Milton Santos, Raquel Rolnik, and Ermínia Maricato, who discuss the social production of urban space, Brazilian urbanization, and socio-spatial inequalities. Methodologically, the research is characterized as qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive, developed through bibliographic review, documentary research, legislative and jurisprudential analysis, and field research in the southern zone of Ilhéus. The results demonstrate that the urban growth of the region has occurred rapidly and, in many aspects, disorderly, driven by the expansion of subdivisions, residential condominiums, and tourist developments. Significant socio-environmental impacts were identified, including suppression of native vegetation, pressure on coastal ecosystems, soil impermeabilization, and overload of urban infrastructure. The legal analysis demonstrated the existence of important regulatory instruments aimed at urban planning and environmental protection, such as the City Statute, the National Environmental Policy, and the National Coastal Management Plan, although weaknesses in the enforcement and supervision of these regulations were identified. It is concluded that the urban expansion of the southern zone of Ilhéus reveals the conflict between economic development and environmental sustainability, making it essential to strengthen urban public policies, environmental inspection, and sustainable territorial planning.