Publications
Shared Heritage Risk in the Blue Amazon. Gamboa de Baixo Project Retrofit
A groundbreaking discovery reveals the 1831 LPM, a pivotal legal instrument for marine land demarcation in Brazil's Gamboa de Baixo area, within Salvador da Bahia's Historic Centre (CHS). This study highlights the dual threats of real estate speculation and high-end nautical tourism development to the site's integrity, while also exploring its contested heritage status. The research employs a multifaceted approach, combining fieldwork, bibliographical reviews, secondary sources, legislation, and topographies to analyze historical, legal, and technical contexts. By proposing a 'retrofit' strategy, the study aims to mitigate risks that undermine the site's protection, offering a model for safeguarding UNESCO World Heritage Sites facing similar challenges.
Afrotourism in Brazilian World Heritage sites: challenges and opportunities emphasising a decolonial narrative
Afrotourism emerges as a transformative force in Brazilian UNESCO World Heritage Sites, challenging dominant colonial narratives by centering Afro-descendant cultural references. This study reveals that such sites—including Salvador de Bahia’s historic center and Cais do Valongo’s archaeological remains—serve as arenas for symbolic struggles to recognize Afro-Brazilian heritage, both tangible and intangible. By adopting a decolonial lens, the research demonstrates how Afrotourism can reshape heritage discourses, amplifying local community roles in reclaiming memory and cultural assets. The findings underscore the potential of Afrotourism to disrupt hegemonic narratives while highlighting its challenges, particularly in balancing preservation with inclusive representation.
Promoting “Cultural Rights” for Inhabitants of Segregated Neighbourhoods in Cape Town, Salvador de Bahia, and Toulouse. From “Cultural Insurrection” to Epistemic Action
Cultural movements in segregated neighborhoods of Cape Town, Salvador de Bahia, and Toulouse demonstrate significant potential to challenge institutional resistance and reshape resource redistribution models. Despite facing similar forms of inflexibility from public authorities, these movements employ convergent strategies that are both political and entrepreneurial, effectively promoting the cultural expressions of racialized and ethnicized groups. This international comparison highlights how cultural activists can shift paradigms to favor marginalized voices, offering a model for broader cultural democratization.
Fatores demográficos e socioambientais associados à insegurança alimentar domiciliar nos diferentes territórios da cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
Food insecurity affects 41% of households in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, with prevalence varying significantly across urban macrozones—ranging from 26% on the Atlantic Coast to 48% in the Core. Key factors such as low education levels (≤4 years), low per capita income (up to half the minimum wage), and poor perception of urban environment quality are strongly associated with both mild and moderate/severe food insecurity, particularly in socially vulnerable areas. This study, based on a large-scale survey (15,171 households) from 2018–2020, used multinomial logistic regression to reveal that social vulnerability factors exacerbate food insecurity, though their impact differs by territory. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing socio-environmental disparities to mitigate food insecurity in urban settings.
Movimento Negro in Salvador de Bahia: an alliance between things
The Movimento Negro in Salvador de Bahia emerges as a hyperobject and multispecies assemblage, challenging local systems of meaning and modern epistemological paradigms. Fieldwork revealed that racism and resistance are materially manifest in bodies, spaces, and objects, reflecting the struggle among economic and racial groups. This study highlights the centrality of the material and sensitive dimensions in understanding the Movimento Negro's role as a force of cultural and political struggle against structural racism.
Usages de l’espace, positionnement social et dimensions raciales : le cas des immigrés français de Salvador de Bahia (Brésil)
French immigrants in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, navigate a socially stratified urban landscape marked by racial and postcolonial dynamics. Despite Salvador's rich Afro-Brazilian influences and its status as the city with the highest proportion of self-identified Black population in Brazil, French immigrants experience spatial segregation akin to other Brazilian metropolises. This study reveals that their residential choices and urban resource usage reflect heterogeneous social perceptions, shaped by their European origins and the legacy of colonialism. The research employs anthropological methods to analyze their living spaces and interactions, offering insights into how these immigrants position themselves within Salvador's complex socio-economic and racial framework.
Fenologia reprodutiva e vegetativa de três espécies ocorrentes em uma área de restinga urbana em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
Three woody plant species—Byrsonima microphylla, Chamaecrista ramosa, and Vellozia dasypus—in Salvador de Bahia’s urban restinga exhibit distinct reproductive and vegetative phenological patterns. B. microphylla and C. ramosa display continuous flowering and fruiting, while V. dasypus shows an annual explosive pattern with intermediate synchrony levels. These species are perennial, and their fenophases do not correlate with abiotic factors. Notably, B. microphylla and C. ramosa provide simultaneous floral and fruit resources year-round, supporting pollinators and frugivores in this seasonally dynamic ecosystem.
Survey of Slum Housing Characteristics Using Drones: An Experiment in the Alto das Pombas Community, Salvador de Bahia/Brazil
Drone-based photogrammetry offers a low-cost, rapid solution for gathering detailed urbanistic data on slum housing, as demonstrated in a study of the Alto das Pombas community in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The research found that drone surveys could effectively identify and quantify precarious housing structures, prioritizing them for health improvement interventions. By processing aerial imagery, the study extracted key physical characteristics of households, providing actionable insights for municipal programs aimed at upgrading slum infrastructure under Brazil's Federal Technical Assistance Law. This approach holds promise for scalable implementation in other informal settlements.
Distanciamento social e condições de vida na pandemia COVID-19 em Salvador-Bahia, Brasil
Higher social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with more favorable living conditions in Salvador, Bahia. This study identified significant spatial disparities in adherence to containment measures, with wealthier neighborhoods exhibiting greater compliance. Using an ecological approach, researchers calculated Social Distancing and Living Conditions Indices, applying Global and Local Moran Indices to assess spatial autocorrelation. Findings underscore the need for tailored pandemic mitigation strategies that account for local vulnerability profiles, particularly in impoverished areas, to improve adherence and social equity.
Geotermobarometria de safirina e granada granulito do afloramento da Praia da Paciência, Salvador, Bahia – Cinturão Salvador-Esplanada-Boquim
Researchers have identified ultra-high-temperature metamorphism conditions in the Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia, marking the first such discovery in the Salvador-Esplanada-Boquim Belt. The study analyzed garnet granulite and sapphirine granulite from the Praia da Paciência outcrop, revealing peak metamorphic conditions of approximately 1.04 GPa and 1,015°C for garnet granulite, with sapphirine granulite indicating stability up to ~1,030°C. These findings suggest a post-peak metamorphism trajectory involving near-isothermal decompression, providing insights into the geological history of the region. The research utilized geothermobarometry and pseudosection analysis to characterize mineral compositions and phase relationships, contributing new understanding to the tectonic evolution of the Cráton do São Francisco.
Arborização de Ruas e Praças em Salvador, Bahia
A study of Salvador de Bahia's urban tree population reveals a dominance of exotic species (53.3%) over native ones, with only 17.1% representing the local Atlantic Forest ecosystem. The research, based on quantitative inventories of street and plaza trees, identified 82 species from 61 genera and 27 families, predominantly Fabaceae, with Terminalia catappa, Clitoria fairchildiana, and Pachira aquatica making up 28.4% of the community. Notably, only 26.4% of species provide food for local fauna, while six toxic or allergenic species, including Nerium oleander and Thevetia peruviana, were found. Ten potentially invasive species, such as Casuarina equisetifolia, also emerged as significant. The analysis underscores the need for balanced urban forestry practices to preserve biodiversity and mitigate ecological risks.
Espaços de branquitude: segregação racial entre as classes médias em Salvador, Bahia
Research reveals how white identity is constructed through racial segregation in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, serving as a social distinction mechanism for the middle classes. The study highlights that proximity to whiteness grants privileged access to resources and goods, reinforcing social hierarchies. Conducted in Loteamento Aquarius, an upper-middle-class neighborhood in Pituba, the research uses secondary data on urban space occupation alongside primary data from semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations, and autoethnography with residents. This approach uncovers daily processes of 'whiteness' production, demonstrating how segregated cities shape social subjects and, reciprocally, how these subjects influence urban development.
Espécies de Oxysarcodexia (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) associadas a carcaças de suínos (Sus scrofa Linnaeus) expostas em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica no município de Salvador, Bahia
Six species of the fly genus Oxysarcodexia (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) were identified as visitors to decomposing pig carcasses in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in Salvador, Bahia. The study found that these flies exhibited a preference for the rainy season and later stages of decomposition, including advanced deterioration and skeletal remains. This research highlights the forensic significance of Oxysarcodexia species, which are commonly associated with vertebrate carcasses. To investigate this, researchers exposed four pig carcasses in both the rainy (July–August 2012) and dry (November–December 2012) seasons, documenting the fly fauna attracted to them. The findings contribute to understanding the ecological preferences of these flies, which may aid forensic investigations.
Saberes e práticas sobre controle do Aedes aegypti por diferentes sujeitos sociais na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
A study on dengue control in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, reveals significant gaps in knowledge and dissatisfaction among community health workers (CHW) and community endemic disease workers (CEDW). Residents showed uncertainty about transmission and risks of dengue, while field CEDWs expressed frustration due to limited control over the situation and a sense of underappreciation. Mobilization CEDWs blamed the population but emphasized their role in solving the issue. CHWs felt no responsibility for vector control despite their experience. All groups agreed that government action and education are crucial for addressing dengue, highlighting the need for regular educational interventions that engage residents and CHWs effectively to improve community practices.
The Historic Center of Salvador de Bahia: Contemporary Challenges in Conservation and Management
Salvador de Bahia's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, faces significant challenges in contemporary conservation and management. Despite the 1990s revitalization program aiming to transform it into a scenic space for cultural tourism, funded entirely by public resources, the area continues to struggle with social displacement and economic disparities. Recent policy shifts post-2007 have not adequately integrated sustainability or community participation, focusing instead on tourism-driven development while neglecting the needs of remaining residents. This study highlights the disconnect between heritage conservation goals and social equity, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive, sustainable management strategies that balance preservation with the well-being of local communities.
Economía creativa, dinámicas locales y gobernaza en entornos metropolitanos: el caso de la región metropolitana de Salvador de Bahia
A critical analysis of the relationship between urban governance, creative economy, and territorial development reveals significant spatial concentration of cultural industries within the Metropolitan Region of Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The study maps these dynamics to illustrate how creative sectors contribute to socio-economic transformation in metropolitan contexts. By synthesizing theoretical frameworks on governance and creative economies with empirical data from Salvador, the research provides insights into the territorial distribution and economic weight of cultural activities. This approach offers a nuanced understanding of how urban governance structures influence the spatial organization of creative industries, contributing to broader discussions on regional development strategies.
As condições de vida e de trabalho da população em situação de rua do Centro Histórico de Salvador, Bahia
A study of homeless populations in Salvador de Bahia's historic center reveals that structural factors, not just social assistance needs, drive homelessness. While most homeless individuals—predominantly male, Black, and of working age—lose family ties due to unemployment, substance use, or violence, the research suggests that addressing systemic causes is key to prevention. Using quantitative and ethnographic methods, the study highlights that providing shelter alone is insufficient; a preventive approach targeting root causes like economic instability and social exclusion is necessary for sustainable solutions.
Être piéton à Salvador de Bahia et Caracas : une proximité fragilisée ?
Pedestrian experiences in Salvador de Bahia and Caracas reveal how social segmentation, security concerns, and urban redevelopment undermine shared street space. The study highlights the fragile nature of proximity in these Latin American cities through sensitive expressions of bodily movement, demonstrating that spatial conflicts disrupt communal engagement despite efforts to reimagine public areas.
L’univers des radios communautaires à Salvador de Bahia
Communicators in Salvador de Bahia employ 'deviant' spatial tactics and discourse to challenge hegemonic urban development strategies, demonstrating the subversive potential of community radio as a counter-hegemonic force. The study reveals how these radios function as ephemeral or 'heterochronic' spaces—temporarily disrupting dominant narratives while maintaining their own logic and autonomy. By analyzing spatial representations and discursive practices, the research highlights the role of community media in resisting urban power structures, offering insights into alternative forms of spatial production.
O comércio de queijo de coalho na orla de Salvador, Bahia: trabalho infantil e segurança de alimentos
A study on the cheese trade along Salvador's coastline reveals significant public health risks, including high levels of microbial contamination and child labor. The research found that 95% of raw cheese samples exceeded safety standards for aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, staphylococci, coliforms, and thermotolerant bacteria, while 50% of cooked samples also failed to meet guidelines. Additionally, the majority of vendors were children (75% male) aged around 14, working primarily on weekends to supplement family income or occupy time, often with inadequate food safety knowledge. The study employed a cross-sectional design, interviewing 40 child vendors and testing 80 cheese samples for microbial content. These findings underscore the urgent need for intervention to address both child labor and food safety in informal markets.
Europa, França e Bahia: difusão e adaptação de modelos urbanos (Paris, Rio e Salvador)
This study reveals how urban modernization in Salvador, Bahia, was significantly influenced by European models, particularly those from Paris and Rio de Janeiro. It highlights the adoption of Haussmann's urban reforms in 19th-century Paris and Pereira Passos' early 20th-century transformations in Rio de Janeiro as key inspirations for Salvador's urban development during Governor José Joaquim Seabra's tenure (1912–1916). The research approach involves a comparative analysis of these three cities, focusing on the diffusion and adaptation of European urban planning practices to the Brazilian context. This work contributes to understanding the complexities of urban modernization in Latin America and its enduring legacy.
Panorama da araneofauna de fragmentos florestais em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
A study of spider fauna in seven urban fragments of the Atlantic Forest within Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, revealed significant differences in species composition among three key fragments: the Botanical Garden of Salvador, Joventino Silva Park, and a forest area near the 4th Guard Company. The research identified 3,201 adult spiders from 39 families, 143 genera, and 170 species or morphospecies, collected between 2000 and 2009. While the fragments exhibited low species richness, the findings underscore the importance of urban green spaces in maintaining biodiversity. Standardized surveys are recommended to further assess the conservation value of these areas.
The Sustainability of Urban Heritage Preservation: The Case of Salvador de Bahia
Urban heritage preservation efforts in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, demonstrate mixed sustainability outcomes. The Rehabilitation Plan for the Historic Centre of Salvador has achieved notable physical and spatial improvements but faces challenges in social and economic sustainability. This analysis highlights the need for balanced approaches that integrate conservation with community development to ensure long-term viability. The study employed a comprehensive assessment framework to evaluate the plan's accomplishments across these dimensions, providing insights applicable to other UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Transformaciones, conflictos e identidades en el Centro Histórico de Salvador de Bahia
Urban renewal policies in Salvador de Bahia's historic center, particularly Pelourinho, have significantly transformed the area since its 1985 UNESCO World Heritage designation, aiming to establish it as a major South American tourist destination. These transformations, driven by local and regional authorities, have sparked conflicts among stakeholders and serve as a model for other cities with similar potential. The study analyzes these policies from the late nineteenth century onward, highlighting how they reflect the interests of power groups and the challenges in creating a vibrant, multifunctional space.
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