Poços de Caldas Council Reviews New Municipal Environmental Policy and Code

On 30 June 2026, the Poços de Caldas municipal Environment Secretary Stefano Zincone presented draft legislation to the city council that would establish a new Municipal Environmental Policy (PMMA) and an updated Environmental Code. The proposals, developed over 18 months by a technical commission that included municipal staff, the local environmental council (CODEMA) and the Federal University of Alfenas (Unifal), aim to modernise environmental regulations, strengthen protection of thermal and mineral waters, biodiversity, and promote sustainable development. Mayor Paulo Ney highlighted the need to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

A separate briefing from the municipal Environment and Sustainability Secretariat revealed that the strategic plan for protecting and restoring the city’s springs remains unfinished, with no set completion date. While some actions tied to a 2025 cooperation call with private firms are underway, the comprehensive spring‑protection plan, integrated with sanitation, agriculture and urban planning, lacks a budget and definitive timeline. The draft Environmental Code, which incorporates spring‑protection measures, is in its final review stage and is expected to be submitted to the council by September 2026. Ongoing efforts include a gradual spring inventory with the local Botanical Garden foundation and pending partnership agreements with Unifal.