The Municipality of Niterói has developed the Niterói Que Queremos (Niterói We Want – NQQ) Strategic Plan 2013-2033, a long-term vision that shapes its public policies based on the population’s needs and demands. Key initiatives under this plan include the Niterói Mais Verde, a reforestation and protection program which has reached 22.5 million square meters of green areas in the municipality, approximately 56% of Niterói’s territory; the Alfredo Sirkis Piratininga Orla Park, a major project implemented in Niterói’s Piratininga Lagoon that prioritizes nature-based solutions to restore the water quality in the lagoon and brings citizens closer to the natural environment; and the Social Carbon Neutralization Program in the Preventório Community that trains residents to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the city.
Under the Climate Action Plan, Niterói aims to encourage the use of renewable energies. The city has implemented several initiatives to promote solar energy, including the Encosta Verde, Fazenda Solar, and Teto Solar programs. The Encosta Verde program integrates solar energy generation, slope stabilization, and reforestation to mitigate environmental risks on urban hillsides. The Fazenda Solar project, supported by a R$ 6 million investment and a partnership with a photovoltaic energy company, aims to install a solar energy generation system connected to the local power grid, with an estimated output of 180 megawatts. Meanwhile, the Teto Solar initiative seeks to utilize public buildings for solar power generation, with a goal of installing 800 solar panels across 40 units by 2024. Niterói further promotes emission reduction efforts through the Municipal Program for the Certification of Good Practices in Carbon Neutralization offered to local businesses and establishments that commit to reducing greenhouse gases (GEE).
Strengthening the city’s climate resilience and citizen protection is one of the Municipality’s main goals. Niterói has invested more than 1 billion reais (approximately 175 million USD) in slope containment to protect the city against heavy rainfalls that have become more frequent in the last years. Investments in the renaturation of river basins and Nature Based Solutions are central to the protection of the local ecosystems, alongside implementation of sustainable drainage and sewage systems in the local communities. Niterói also faces stronger and more frequent heatwaves and dryer seasons, which offer more challenges regarding wildfires and health issues for the population. To mitigate these risks, the city has strengthened its Civil Defense Department and implemented awareness-raising campaigns for the population through frequent on-site and online presence. As extreme climate events often happen simultaneously, the city has been advancing its emergency protocols while training its permanent professional body, as well as the Fire Department and trained volunteers, to act in delicate situations.
With the goal of promoting a more sustainable urban environment and mobility, Niterói also cooperates with local transport companies and Rio de Janeiro State Government to encourage its residents to use public transportation more frequently. Aiming to improve mobility in a city that both sends and receives commuting workers from neighboring municipalities, Niterói understands the crucial role of ferryboats and buses in its citizens’ daily lives. Furthermore, Niterói also promotes the bicycle as a viable and sustainable option for transport within the city and as a connection to neighboring cities. Related measures include: improving public facilities like bicycle parking sites (Bicicletário Araibóia) in strategic places, such as the Araribóia Ferry Station expanding the local network of exclusive bicycle lanes, and implementing the NitBike shared bicycle system, which is completely free of charge.
Another central project implemented by Niterói Municipality is the Araribóia Social Currency Program, a digital currency that aims at supporting low-income households. Equivalent in value to the Brazilian Real, it can be used in registered local businesses such as markets, bakeries and drugstores, with benefits ranging from 250 to 700 Araribóias per family. Beyond financial aid, the program also provides professional training to foster autonomy and income generation. Furthermore, the city plans on enhancing the program by implementing the Araribóia Climate Currency, a financial credit for families that engage in concrete actions for reducing the emissions of GEE.
Equity challenges
Building on the Niterói Que Queremos strategic plan, the Strategic Guidelines 2024 – 2028 enhance Niterói’s approach by aligning policies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. These guidelines help to integrate equity as a goal and address existing challenges in the field of housing vulnerability and climate adaptation to foster a fairer and more resilient urban environment
- Innovative policies for inclusive climate adaptation
Niterói’s policy framework for climate adaptation is rooted in the Climate Action Plan, which serves as the foundation for municipal efforts to address the climate crisis. Through the Municipal Secretary for Climate, Civil Defense and Resilience and other municipal bodies, the city is implementing a range of policies to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. These initiatives also emphasize raising public awareness and educating citizens about climate challenges. However, the administration faces challenges in fully implementing these policies, particularly in mobilizing the resources necessary for a comprehensive energy transition. A core principle of the Climate Action Plan is to integrate climate justice into its design, ensuring that actions reduce social and territorial inequalities. The plan’s risk analysis considers critical factors such as population density, income disparities, literacy levels, and housing deficits to inform targeted, equitable interventions. Building on these insights, Niterói aims to create a more inclusive urban environment where climate adaptation efforts benefit all residents, particularly those most affected by socio-economic vulnerabilities.
- Housing vulnerabilities
One of the pressing challenges in Niterói is housing in areas at high risk, where many families live in conditions of socio-economic vulnerability. To address this, the municipal Civil Defense and Social Assistance departments are working to protect these families. In parallel, the municipal administration is developing housing policies aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with living in these areas and promoting new housing solutions. Niterói’s housing initiative not only aims to mitigate physical risks but also address the social inequalities that often leave lower-income families in hazardous areas. These policies reflect a commitment to equity, providing support and resources to disadvantaged communities to enhance their resilience and access to safer housing options.
Looking forward, Niterói will continue to prioritize equity in its sustainability initiatives, addressing both environmental and social challenges to build a more inclusive city. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term resilience, the city is setting a foundation for a future where all citizens have equal opportunities to thrive in a sustainable urban environment.
