Participação social e governança territorial: uma análise crítica da criação e gestão do Parque Estadual do Sumidouro

Abstract

This study analyzes the process of creation of the Sumidouro State Park, located in the municipalities of Lagoa Santa and Pedro Leopoldo, in the state of Minas Gerais, with emphasis on the implications related to social participation in its implementation and management. The conservation unit was created as an environmental compensation measure associated with the implementation of the Confins Metropolitan Airport, within a historical context characterized by centralized state decision-making and the fragility of formal mechanisms for social participation. Although the region is recognized for its environmental, archaeological, speleological, paleontological, and cultural significance, local communities had limited participation in the decision-making process regarding the creation of the park, which contributed to the emergence of socio-environmental conflicts and challenges to territorial governance. The research adopted a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive approach, based on bibliographic review, documentary research, and content analysis, according to the methodology proposed by Bardin (1977) and Santos (2007). Legal, normative, and administrative instruments related to the creation and management of the park were analyzed, as well as minutes of meetings of the Consultative Council from 2024 and 2025, focusing on mechanisms of social participation, transparency, territorial governance, and socio-environmental conflicts. The results indicate that, despite institutional advances observed over time, such as the establishment of the Consultative Council and the management plan, social participation remains predominantly formal and consultative, lacking effective deliberative power. The

participation of surrounding communities in planning, land use, and strategic decision- making is limited by the centralization of decisions within the managing authority and

by power asymmetries between the State and civil society. It is concluded that social participation mechanisms require more effective strengthening in order to advance toward democratic territorial governance capable of reducing socio-environmental inequalities and contributing to a sustainable and socially just management of the Sumidouro State Park.