Perceived and Realized Social and Economic Impacts of Sand Nourishment at Picarras Beach, Santa Catarina, Brazil

摘要

Between 1983 and 1998, a series of strong storms practically destroyed the coastline at Picarras Beach, Santa Catarina, Brazil, producing serious negative social and economic consequences for the city. The most appropriate solution to restore Picarras Beach was nourishment of the entire beach, which was concluded in February 1999. Beach nourishment has become common practice to restore sandy beaches, the preferred tourism resource in coastal areas. This research strived to identify, characterize, and quantify both the tangible economic benefits generated, and the benefits perceived by the stakeholders (including residents, tourists, local businesses, and government) of the nourishment project at Picarras Beach. A survey was initiated to determine the tangible and perceived benefits. All the data collected were analyzed using the "Statistical Package for Social Sciences - SPSS, Version 9.0." Several analyses were done, and six factors were obtained. Three factors were interpreted, including those related to benefits perceived, actions of the public sector, and perceived actions. The portion of variance explained was 39.9%, 8.9%, and 8.2%, respectively. The stakeholders affected directly or indirectly by the project perceived economic, environmental, social, and aesthetic benefits. Reaction to the project was very positive, since there was consensus, and people were found willing to contribute to the cost through higher taxes.