Weavings of planning and governance in the transformation of rivers in global metropolises: a reflection on international cases and ongoing cases in the São Paulo Macrometropolis (Brazil)

Abstract

The article discusses initiatives aiming to transform metropolitan rivers in the context of ongoing changes in planning and governance structures and culture. Following a theoretical discussion on concepts and approaches related to planning and governance, experiences regarding the recovery of major rivers in New York, the Ruhr Region, Seoul, Buenos Aires and Cairo are briefly presented and ongoing initiatives in the São Paulo Macrometropolis are critically discussed. In the light of the analysis of the international experiences, the article highlights the building of an efficient political and managerial institutional framework, the strengthening of civil society, and the promotion of an effective public opinion at the regional level as conditions for progress concerning the renaturalization or revitalization of rivers in the São Paulo Macrometropolis.

urban rivers; metropolis; planning; governance; São Paulo Macrometropolis