Sustainability in the Cariri metropolitan region: analysis from the millennium development goals - MDGs

Abstract

The Cariri Metropolitan Region – CMR created by the complementary law No. 78 from 2009, It ́s located in the southern region of Ceará, in northeastern Brazil it is formed by these municipalities: Juazeiro do Norte, Crato, Barbalha, Jardim, Missão Velha, Caririaçu, Farias Brito, Nova Olinda and Santana do Cariri. The region is experiencing a great phase of economic and demographic growth and consequently, social and environmental changes. This research ́s main goal was identifying the panorama of the Cariri Metropolitan Region with regard to the components dimensions of sustainable development from the analysis of the Millennium Development Goals at the local level. The research has qualitative and quantitative focus, it is constituted in a Case Study conducted through bibliographical and documentary research. Data gathering was conducted through the analysis of the Millennium development goals within the framework of the CMR municipalities. By the analysis results, it ́s been noticed that economic prosperity in this region (es- pecially in Crajubar – Crato, Juazeiro do Norte and Barbalha) diverges with the social and environmental vulnerability, creating an unsustainable environment in medium and long term.