Tiago MESQUITA, Centre of Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning, University of Coimbra (CEGOT-UC), Portugal
Carolina HIGINO, Centre of Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning, University of Coimbra (CEGOT-UC), Portugal
The development of regions and countries has had serious consequences for the balance of ecosystems and human life (Marques, 2019). To change the course of this trajectory, the 2030 Agenda was created, which defines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to end poverty, protect the environment, combat climate change, and promote prosperity and well-being for all (Lopes, 2020). This paper identifies areas of weakness and establishes priorities through the analysis of mainland Portugal’s SDG performance indicators and its associated policy development. The 67 indicators considered representative of the 17 SDGs, and the policies implemented to achieve them, were analysed across 278 municipalities as well as inter-municipal communities and metropolitan areas.
To summarise, mainland municipalities have more significant weaknesses regarding indicators in the People, Prosperity and Partnerships dimensions. There are also geographical patterns revealing strong asymmetries between urban municipalities, mostly located along the coast, and the more peripheral and rural areas, these being predominantly the most disadvantaged. The analysis of 472 documents relating to public policies implemented by local and regional actors demonstrate that priority has been given to actions/measures associated with dimensions that reveal greater SDG weaknesses (e.g., Prosperity), although these efforts have not yet changed Urban/Rural and North/South regional asymmetries. To this end, given there are policies and instruments to mitigate some of the territorial problems identified that also potentially contribute to the achievement of SDG targets, the time has come to agree on strategies that promote equity, attenuate unfair and avoidable inequalities, and strengthen territorial cohesion.
Mots clés : Sustainable Development Goals|Sustainability|Equity|Social Vulnerability|Municipalities of mainland Portugal
A105246TM