On the fringes of the law? Territorial Management and Legal Conflicts in Vulnerable Coastal Environments in Northeast Brazil

Abstract This study investigates the effectiveness of territorial management tools and public policies applied to the beaches of Redonda, Peroba, and Picos, in Icapuí, Ceará, in northeastern Brazil, analyzing the forms of occupation of a Beach-Cliff System and the impacts of coastal erosion. The methodology adopted combined documentary analysis, field surveys, and geoprocessing. A total of 168 legal landmarks between 1831 and 2024 were identified and analyzed through research in government databases and a literature review. The field survey included geospatial mapping using GNSS RTK and drones, enabling the collection of accurate data on occupation and coastal dynamics. The overlay of this information in a Geographic Information System (GIS) allowed the identification of violations of environmental protection zones and risk areas. The results indicate that more than 700 occupations are located within legal protection zones, exacerbating the impacts of erosion and the risks associated with cliff occupations. Praia da Redonda has the highest density of occupations, including buildings on cliffs. Praia da Peroba suffers from accelerated erosion and a lack of effective containment, while Praia de Picos presents increasing risks due to the proximity of buildings to the coastline. Poor enforcement and the difficulty of applying legal frameworks are critical challenges. Greater integration between government levels, coastal requalification, and strengthening of environmental governance are recommended. In addition, preventive measures, such as ecological zoning and the recovery of degraded areas, are essential to mitigate negative impacts and promote more balanced development. Raising awareness among the local population and strengthening environmental enforcement are essential to ensure the preservation of local ecosystems and the safety of coastal communities.