Advocacy for Land Regularization in a Multi-risk Scenario: the case of the urban informal settlement ‘Ocupação em Busca de Uma Moradia’

Abstract

The article explores the interplay between urban planning and disaster risks in urban informal settlements, examining physical, social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities alongside community response capacities. It presents the experience of a technical advisory project funded by CAU/BR in the “Ocupação Em Busca de Uma Moradia” (OEBUM) in São Carlos, SP. Despite the precarious land tenure and challenging urban-environmental conditions in this territory, self-managed strategies are employed to mitigate risks and advance the guarantee of adequate housing. While these initiatives are crucial, they cannot be the only means of addressing risks; public authorities must enhance these efforts and address gaps in disaster prevention and the promotion of fundamental rights. We argue that land regularization can act as a technical-political tool to increase legal security, foster a more democratic technical debate, and encourage popular participation. Finally, we assess the potential of social housing technical advisory (ATHIS) to contribute to Disaster Risk Reduction by addressing vulnerabilities and strengthening community resilience. Advocacy for a comprehensive land regularization, in this context, supports an integrated and participatory approach aimed at driving material transformations in these territories.