Families living along the banks of Brazil’s Iguaçu river in Audi União are vulnerable to environmental issues, from flooding to poor sanitation. Through this comprehensive informal settlement upgrading project, there have been improvements to urban infrastructure, environmental protections, land tenure, social program access, and urban mobility. The upgrading aimed to relocate families no more than 500 meters from their original homes, and the project took place through a participatory process, involving partnerships between residents, local leaders, civil society organizations, and government agencies across scales.
The upgrading project has also worked to reduce social inequalities through the promotion of citizenship, the prioritization of women in land titling processes, and improved public services and infrastructure. While local NGOs played a key role in making the project a success and facilitating collaboration, while the government provided funding and investment in public facilities.
Source:
World Habitat. (2014) Upgrading of Audi União Shantytown: Curitiba. World Habitat Award Winners: Finalist 2014.