Goiana, in Pernambuco State, marked by problems arising from the dominance of monoculture of sugar cane, has been part in recent years of the "New Economic Development Region of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil", with the implantation of pharmacochemical and automotive centers. It was analyzed how local actors perceive the current development model and problematize their demands, from the identification of social environmental problems and the proposals of coping. This is a qualitative study based on participatory methodologies with data triangulation (document analysis, landscape reading, self-testing communities and thematic workshops). The results point to a negative diagnosis of social and environmental indicators. In sanitation inequalities problems in access to potable water for human consumption and for productive sphere were found. In Health, it was identified the vulnerability of workers and youth, exacerbated by deficiencies in the care network. On environmental issues, the impacts of productive activities were diagnosed, such as carcinoculture, monoculture and mineral extraction, which generate conflicts among social groups. We conclude that, added to existing fragilities, Goiana risks undergoing negative experiences of economic growth without sustainable development.
sustainable development; social participation growth; development
