Towards intersectoriality: the foundations for environmental territorial governance at the São Paulo Macrometropolis

Abstract

Based on the critical analysis of the issues of water security, risk, and ecosystem services, the article aims to present the foundations for territorial environmental governance through intersectoriality, relational character, and spatial integration, concepts that underpin territorial planning. Starting from the case of the São Paulo macrometropolis, the existing gaps in current management and planning practices were discussed in the face of the governance proposal presented in this article. Among the challenges and transformations to promote territorial environmental governance, it is necessary to recognize the relational interactions between actions, spaces, and dimensions, their impact on the territory, and consider local characteristics and their integration on a regional scale. Key to the transformation of governance practice is the recognition of territory as a produced space that results from socio-environmental relations and is mobilized by flows of power. Finally, territorial environmental governance is presented as a new point of departure and reflection that integrates policies, deconstructs the sectoral vision, and advances in producing a fairer, safer, and healthier territory for all, humans and non-humans.