Port expansion and socio-spatial impacts in the city of Paranaguá (PR)

Abstract

The Port of Paranaguá stands out as a significant hub of maritime trade, being one of the largest grain ports in Latin America. However, its expansion has triggered numerous socio-spatial conflicts in the Paranaguá territory. This study aims to investigate the contradictions and latent tensions in the city of Paranaguá (PR), analyzing the evolution of land use in areas designated for port activities. The methodology involved the organization of a land use classification through the visual interpretation of orbital images from 2002, 2010, and 2023. In addition, a literature review was conducted to support the interpretations of the land use mapping. The results reveal substantial changes in urban morphology, with residential areas converted into port facilities and industrial zones near the port, highlighting a new expansion axis linked to speculated developments along the Paraná Coast. These changes generate discontinuities and urban fragmentation, disproportionately affecting socio-economic groups. The study emphasizes the urgency of inclusive and equitable urban policies to mitigate these disparities, challenging the current development model, considering not only environmental aspects but also the needs and rights of local communities.