NATURAL SPRINGS IN URBAN AREAS: USES AND SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL FUNCTIONS IN BELO HORIZONTE, MINAS GERAIS STATE, BRAZIL

Springs are commonly incorporated into the urban environment, which can affect the life experiences of the inhabitants and the spatial distribution of buildings in cities. Conditions of social relevance can also be generated in addition to purely hydro-ecological issues, such as pedagogical and landscape functions. The article aims to analyze different uses and socio-environmental functions of natural springs in Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais state) from eight case studies. Field information was obtained such as typology, anthropic changes and reports from residents. The results indicate that spring water has multiple contexts of spatial insertion and assigned uses and/or socioenvironmental functions, such as square irrigation, environmental education, human consumption and leisure. The topic is relatively little debated in the scientific community and the article can contribute to the knowledge of the incorporation forms of the springs in the city. Discussions show how springs can contribute to the construction of landscape, recreational, educational, environmental and symbolic values that help to protect them and improve the quality of life in cities.