Sustainability strategies for dimension stones industry based on Northwest region of Espírito Santo State, Brazil

This article analyses proposals to reinforce positive effects and mitigate negative impacts derived from dimension stone mining. The strategies proposed for sustainable development take into consideration the importance and problems related to exploitation, as well as to long-term sustainability of a productive pole in a participatory process involving foresight. In addition, it also suggests a short-term strategy: a sustainability certification scheme for this activity. In spite of the intrinsic challenges, the proposals can potentially improve the dimension stone industry, turning this activity more sustainable through the adoption of social and environmental practices, not only through economy-related ones. In this sense, it is extremely important to encourage cooperation among the mining sectors, the society, and federal, state and municipal governments in the process to consolidate advantages and opportunities, not only for this industry, but also for the communities in the region where is installed the main production hub of dimension stone of the Espírito Santo State.