Urban River Policies: Multilevel Analysis and Community Engagement in Curitiba.

Abstract

This study investigates urban river policies, emphasizing the gaps in understanding the interactions between riverine communities and governance systems. Using empirical and theoretical methods, the research applies multivariate analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to data from a representative sample of 1740 residents of Curitiba. The study maintains a 95% confidence level with a ±2.4% margin of error. Latent social, governmental, responsive, and environmental engagement variables are analyzed, highlighting the complexity of urban policies and the necessity for adaptable strategies. The findings suggest that greater social and governmental engagement correlates with more favorable perceptions of river quality. In contrast, responsive engagement exhibits a weaker relationship, while environmental engagement underscores ongoing challenges. The research introduces a theoretical framework supported by an analytical model, advocating for urban policies that account for contextual specificities and encourage collaborative engagement between governments and communities. The study concludes that implementing comprehensive strategies within this integrated framework is crucial for sustaining and enhancing urban river ecosystems, as demonstrated by the case of the Belém River in Curitiba.