ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN INTEGRATED PLANNING OF THE METROPOLITAN TERRITORY: SUPPLY, DEMAND AND PRESSURE ON WATER PROVISION IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF CURITIBA

Abstract

The search for the sustainability of human settlements, mainly urban areas, and of ecosystems as a whole, involves the adoption of integrating territorial strategies that take into account environmental, economic, social, and cultural aspects. The focus on ecosystem services can be an ally in strengthening the integrated vision of metropolitan territory and water as a key integrating element. In this context, this study aimed to propose a set of indicators for the assessment of natural capital and the supply and demand of the ecosystem water supply service for metropolitan regions, with the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba (MRC), Paraná, as the main focus. The set of indicators was selected from a theoretical basis based on literature review and subsequently validated by specialists using the Delphi method, with  electronic questionnaires sent in two rounds of validation. The validated indicators were later used to analyze the water supply in the MRC. Although the urban area concentrates the greatest demands for water resources, the surrounding municipalities are the largest real or potential providers of ecosystem services. Some municipalities, especially those located at the northern end of the MRC, stand out for their significant water availability. However, the analysis shows a trend of degradation of natural capital and consequent impairment of water supply in MCR. There is a need to broaden, in a large part of the region, the implementation of biodiversity protection policies, encourage the creation of new conservation units and strengthen the monitoring of land use and the search for innovative solutions to improve water management in the metropolis.