The complexity of ecosystem thinking in land management: analysis and contributions to governance indicators in the state of Santa Catarina (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Research focusing on various frontiers of territorial planning indicates a global scenario that calls for drastically different ways of planning, building and governing cities. However, cities are complex and varied, depending on their unique circumstances, with different barriers, limitations and opportunities, such as resources, capital and leadership. The aim of this research is to contribute to the reduction of complex problems in territorial planning through the management of the Governance of the State of Santa Catarina. To this end, it explores the relationship between its methodology for Governance Performance Indicators and the 169 targets of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals from the analytical perspective of the 13 ecosystem dimensions proposed by the Urban Ecology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Data was collected and compiled between 2020 and 2022 using causal loop diagrams to capture the complex interaction between different factors inside and outside the system. The results radar chart shows satisfaction rates of less than 50% in all 13 dimensions, evidenced by the decentralization of the spheres of governance. This diagnosis indicates a compromising level compared to that suggested by international reference authors and guided by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The result highlights and reinforces the need to reduce the fragmentation of public policies that has been contributing to an unsustainable future of the Anthropocene. It proves that integration between the public and private sectors and civil society is a prerequisite for decision-makers in territorial planning.