The Court of São Paulo determined, this Wednesday (22), that São Vicente, a city on the coast of São Paulo, theadopt measures to contain the erosion process, that is, the shrinking of the sand strip, on the beaches of Gonzaguinha and Milionários.
The Public Ministry pointed out that, in addition to the 30-day for the local Executive Branch to prepare a “Ressacas” the municipality must begin, within 60 days,the application of light and reversible interventions, such as minimal ‘reprofiling’ of the sand strip. The measure consists of recovering the most critical stretches, with the aim of dissipating the intensity of the waves.
The 60-day period also provides for the removal or retreat of urban furniture and equipment installed in the beach area in more vulnerable areas, as well as the presentation of a specific budget plan for mitigation actions, expected to be included in the 2027 budget.
New walls and groynes, structures built to contain erosion and retain sand, can only be executed with specific judicial authorization and prior environmental impact assessment. In case of non-compliance, a daily fine of R$1,000 was established, limited to R$500,000.
The decision is based on studies by the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), which indicate that the advance of the sea on the two beaches is the result of an increase in human interventions.
The Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB) also presented, in July 2025, the results of the study “Assessment of the Continental Coastal Dynamics of the Beaches of São Vicente – SP”, which provided technical information to support decisions by the city hall and other public bodies, especially in relation to the occupation of coastal areas more susceptible to erosion.
A CNN Brazil contacted the City of São Vicente, which informed that, for three years, it has been carrying out a set of actions and studies aimed at combating coastal erosion on beaches.
“The Municipality will appeal the injunction, as it understands that the decision does not fully consider the preventive measures, the technical studies already being carried out and the structured planning conducted by the Municipal Administration”, he informed in a note.
The City Hall reinforced that it has already presented all studies, reports, actions carried out and the schedule of ongoing initiatives, as requested in the preliminary decision. The municipality also stated that it will continue to dialogue with the competent bodies to align the court decision with the work that has been carried out over the last three years.
*Under the supervision of Thiago Félix
