The role of the geographer in a differentiator process of implementation a Local Agenda 21: The Case of Figueira da Foz

Abstract

The development process of Local Agenda 21 of the 167 portuguese municipalities that have already initiated it, reveals quite different approaches in terms of methodology and final objectives, as a result of the different academic formation of the research teams. This paper is intended to highlight the role played by a research group mostly composed of geographers, whose mission consists in the definition of a strategic project development and in the implementation of a review of a Municipal Master Plan. In this context, the Geography is assumed to be the science associated with the observation and analysis of the territories at different analysis scales, acting as catalyst for actions that aim the sustainable development, integrated in the principles “from local to global” that are characteristic of the Agenda 21 Local. In this sense, the way a geographer analyzes the territories should be increasingly considered in the current context characterized by a tremendous complexity and unpredictability. The demand for instruments of strategic character seems to be essential in finding flexible and resilient answers in an effort to attenuate the existing constraints and to boost the development opportunities.