Análise da Participação Pública em audiências dos processos de licenciamento ambiental no estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyze public participation in hearings associated with environmental licensing processes in Minas Gerais, focusing on projects that require an Environmental Impact Study (EIA) and an Environmental Impact Report (RIMA), as determined by COPAM Deliberative Normative No. 225/2018. Public hearings are one of the main mechanisms for society's participation in environmental licensing processes, and although they are only consultative, they play a crucial role by allowing the local population to express their concerns, doubts, and suggestions regarding the proposed projects. However, several studies point to significant limitations in the effectiveness of these hearings, including low public representation, inadequate dissemination, and the complexity of the information presented, which is often not accessible to the general public. To investigate this issue, a document analysis was conducted based on the analysis of public hearing minutes available in the Public Hearing Request and Consultation System of the State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development of Minas Gerais (SEMAD), focusing on processes carried out between 2018 and 2019. The methodology involved identifying the social groups involved, the topics addressed during the hearings, and the main issues raised by the population. The results indicate that, although the hearings took place as required by law, effective public participation was limited, with a predominance of representatives from civil associations and few manifestations from individuals not linked to organized groups. Among the most discussed topics were economic issues, such as job creation and the economic impact of the projects, while environmental issues, such as water and soil contamination, were less addressed. Additionally, a significant gap in the availability of information to the public was identified, which may have contributed to the low participation and superficiality of the debates. In terms of representation, it was found that most of the hearings were requested by the entrepreneurs themselves or by local authorities, raising questions about the impartiality and transparency of the process. Based on these results, the study suggests the need for greater dissemination of hearings and a joint effort between the government and companies to ensure that the affected population has access to clear and understandable information about the projects in question. It concludes that, for public participation to be effective, it is essential to invest in environmental education and improve communication channels between the different actors involved in the environmental licensing process.