Ecological-Economic Zoning – goals and strategies for environmental policies

Abstract

The purposes concerning Ecological-Economic Zoning – ZEE –, established by Brazilian Federal Decree No. 4297, 2002, are discussed in this paper. It begins with a theoretical discussion on the essential interaction between Economics and Ecology. Then, the paper turns to the context of environmental territorial planning, analyzing the purpose of the Ecological-Economic Zoning. Thus, a discussion is made on ZEE definition and objectives. After that, it deals with institutional coordination strategies for their achievement and better implementation. Finally, the paper concludes how the Ecological-Economic Zoning can help the other Brazilian environmental policy instruments.