Samia Sulaiman: Brazil involves slum residents in urban infrastructure planning

Public mapping helps authorities and city services include informal settlements in urban planning and service systems.

Report informs that Samia Sulaiman, a representative of Brazil's National Secretariat for Peripheries, said this at an event titled "From Community Data to Public Impact: Perspectives of Experts with Practical Experience," held as part of WUF13.

According to her, the public mapping methodology forms the basis of Brazil's policy on slums and informal settlements.

"If a settlement has no address, it becomes invisible. Therefore, we are developing the ‘Postal Code for All' initiative and holding discussions with residents on the organization of streets and even their names in order to integrate these communities into the urban system," she said.

Sulaiman noted that Brazil, in cooperation with residents themselves, universities and public organizations, finances projects on legalizing land use, reducing disaster risks and adapting to climate change.

According to her, the participation of local communities makes it possible not only to collect data, but also to strengthen residents' involvement in the development of their own areas.

"It is important for people living in such conditions to discuss problems from their own perspective. We do not simply create maps or collect data - we implement real changes together with communities," she stressed.

The National Secretariat representative also cited examples from projects in São Paulo and Belém, where residents, together with authorities, participated in developing solutions for flood protection, restoration of natural water sources and development of urban infrastructure.