A importância do princípio protetor-recebedor para o desenvolvimento ambientalmente sustentável: o caso do Ceará

Abstract

The present dissertation is aimed at proposing an operational model for the environmentally sustainable development of the state of Ceará using the “Green Municipality Certification Program” as a tool for the evaluation of local environmental policies combined with the Ecological “ICMS” as a financial compensation mechanism, based on the Protector-Receiver principle. The development of science in the 17-th century contributed to the rapid decline of human mortality and the maintenance of high birth rates, provoking an unseen growth in the world population. The development of science and technology allied to the process of industrialization, was responsible for major changes in the lives of human beings and its relations to the natural world. This ongoing growth is leading to an increase in the level of stress towards the biosphere contributing to environmental destruction with disastrous consequences. The 20-th century witnessed the beginning of another cycle of mass extinction in the history of life on earth caused by men. The rapid growth of environmental problems lead many scientists to think of and to discuss a new type of development, that should promote long-term human progress on the planet. One of the pillars of sustainabledevelopment is the Protector-Receiver principle, which compensates financially, as an incentive for services produced, those who protect natural resources, representing a symbol of economic justice. Analysis tools where used, to favor through results of quality analysis, the proposal of a model for sustainable development, including local and regional specificities. The “Ecological ICMS”, the result of redistribution of the “ICMS” to the municipalities by the State, without increasing taxes, can be adjusted to the already existing economic instruments, representing one of the most convenient options to finance environmental policies within the current context. The “Green Municipality Certification Program” was established by the state Government of Ceará and is aimed at promoting the implementation of environmental policies by the municipalities. The “Green Municipality Program” certifies the municipalities that implement public policies that contribute to environmental protection and to the increase of the quality of life of present and future generations. An operating model for the environmentally sustainable development is presented, based on the “Green Municipality Certification Program” and the Ecological “ICMS” applied to the state of Ceará, and if taken on board, will be able to establish itself as an important tool to be used by the Government, as an incentive to environmentally sustainable economic growth.