Sustainable Livelihood Strategies in Public Spaces: Insights From Urban Beachfront Areas in São Luís, Brazil

Abstract It is widely known that the harsh conditions of work and income have a direct impact on the lives of the Global South urban poor populations. This chapter draws on urban studies within geographical science to examine how public spaces are utilised by local populations in urban beachfront areas of Brazil. The reflection encompasses not only the role of small-scale economic activities in public spaces but also how they continuously shape and reshape the built environment of the urban beachfront areas. In this sense, the Brazilian city of São Luís was selected as the empirical setting while a qualitative investigation was conducted on the sandy beaches along Litorânea Avenue. Diverse strategies for work and income were identified during the research. Ranging from street vending to makeshift kiosks on the boardwalks, these initiatives include the local sale of meals and diversified merchandise. The findings indicate that public spaces serve as vital sustainable livelihood zones for the urban poor, who rely on them due to their accessibility and the pressing need to earn a living. The results of this chapter, therefore, pave the way for local urban planning policies aimed at the socioeconomic development of the most vulnerable social groups in urban beachfront areas of Brazil today.