Model of integrated territorial assessment for environmental justice applied to sanitation

Equitable access to water and sanitation is still a challenge worldwide and in Brazil. In this sense, the concept of environmental justice was used in this paper as a basis for establishing an Integrated Territorial Assessment Model for Environmental Justice Applied to Sanitation. This research aims to give scientific support for the State Government to improve public policies and promote the universalization of water and sanitation services as established by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study was based on a quali-quantitative methodology. Secondary data were selected as key information to analyze environmental justice in sanitation, including the following: hydric vulnerability (IV), water supply (WS); untreated sewage collection (SC); sewage collection with treatment (ST); water supply investments (WSI); sewage system investments (SSI); municipal per capita income (MPI); and municipal human development index (MHDI). The data were presented in maps by overlapping the State official regional division and the discussion was carried out based on regional differences and similarities. The repetition of a pattern was noted, in which unfavorable rates were concentrated in the North and Jequitinhonha-Mucuri regions: water vulnerability, sewage system with collection and without treatment, total investment, average investment, per capita income and municipal human development index. Both also have low rates of the sewage system and water supply when compared to others. On the other hand, Zona da Mata and Triângulo regions have favorable rates for hydric vulnerability, sewage system with collection and without treatment and water supply. The Triângulo Mineiro region also presented favorable rates of total investment, average investment, per capita income, and municipal human development index. It is concluded that the inequality between the regions is, initially, of natural origin, and reinforced by the social context and inequality in sanitation investments in the different regions.