The main objective of this research was to analyse the possibility of implementing or improving programmes within the municipality under study, the purpose of which is to provide a better quality of environmental and urban life for the citizens of the city of Paulista-PE, as well as whether the municipality and/or agencies, through agreements/partnerships with other public entities and/or non-governmental organisations, have implemented socio-environmental development actions for the areas of the city that are the subject of this study. In the case of Paulista-PE, the aim was to assess whether there have been changes caused by economic and population growth, and whether these factors have effectively contributed to altering the city's socio-environmental scenario, especially in the areas considered most vulnerable, and whether these factors represent real and effective development in the municipality.

On the other hand, the aim was to investigate whether there had been any progress in the socio-environmental aspect, taking into account the fact that population growth in the 2000-2010 period was above the local, regional and national averages, causing a real "urban bulge". .