Mesquita, a municipality in Rio de Janeiro, achieved a historic achievement in 2025. The city ranked first in the state ranking of Ecological ICMS, in the Municipal Protected Area Index category. This result represents a significant leap from 25th place in 2017, and reflects an administration that has an environmental agenda firmly embedded in its governance.
Released annually by the State Department of the Environment, the index measures the quality of environmental preservation programs in the 92 municipalities of the Baixada Fluminense region. Once ranked, it can be used as a guide for other regions to follow in their governance strategies.
According to Marotto Miranda, current mayor of Mesquita and a RenovaBR leader, this progress was only possible thanks to rigorous planning and monitoring of the indicators required by the Ecological ICMS. "The key was planning and monitoring environmental actions, aligned with the Ecological ICMS indicators. Every detail was closely monitored," he stated.
The mayor emphasized that the changes are already being felt in the population's daily lives. He particularly commented on how selective waste collection has been strengthened, along with the protection of conservation areas, continuous cleaning of rivers and drains, and ongoing environmental education programs. Sanitation, Solid Waste, and Atlantic Forest plans have also been implemented, along with urban tree planting and proper waste management. "These measures bring better quality of life, health, and safety to the population," he emphasized.
Furthermore, Marotto emphasizes that the key is to integrate environmental plans with practical actions that improve the lives of the population. "Monitoring and implementing the Sanitation, Waste, and Atlantic Forest plans was crucial to improving our indicators and, at the same time, ensuring real results in the region," he explains. This experience demonstrates how local governance can drive sustainable development and bring immediate benefits to the community.
Photo: Renato Drones / Fluminense Connection
