Resumo:
Knowing that the definition of conflict is the natural divergence between
people or groups whose ideas, beliefs, values or needs are different, this work
intends to study the conflicts caused by the use of the water of basin Alto Sapucaí
(south of the State of Minas Gerais) and propose solutions, aiming at sustainable
development.
Two case studies were used. The two small basins, which present water use
problems, are located in the town of Itajubá. In the first one, Ribeirão Pedra Preta
small basin, there is a conflict among its dwellers because of the water shortage,
both qualitatively and quantitatively speaking. The second small basin, Ribeirão
Pedralva, the conflicts mainly take place during the dry periods, when the dwellers
that need the water to irrigate their crops complain about the shortage, for the
stream natural course was deviated so that the water could be used for supplying
the town of Itajubá.
The methodology used fore carrying out this study employed simple tools
such as GPS and computational programs. It was also efficient because it is easy to
be applied, this way, it can carry out a good diagnosis of the problem and help to
find solutions for the existing problems caused by the use of the water.
