Perspectivas bioéticas sobre processos de planejamento e gestão ambiental : o caso da hantavirose no Distrito Federal

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes, from the Bioethics perspective, the ethical dilemmas of Environmental Planning and Management related to the Hantaviruses outbreak that occurred in Distrito Federal - Brazil, from May to October of 2004, killing 16 people. The contemporary relationship between health and nature, in its varied interfaces, demands new perspectives of study as it raises new kinds of legal, political, economical and especially ethical matters. The outburst of this emerging disease is related to ecological disturbances caused by the fast and disordered urban and agricultural expansion, aggravated by the absence of adequate housing policies. The methodology was a case study. After reviewing the literature on environment and Bioethics, information about the disease and the local public decisions to control and prevent it was searched. This research confirmed the suggested hypothesis: There is not actually a Bioethical guidance on environmental planning and public management in Brasilia, at least that addresses to nature and health. If the current model persists it will deteriorate public health, especially in what is related to the lack of care with the environment. This dissertation concludes making considerations about environmental bioethics.