Evolução dos instrumentos de gestão dos recursos hídricos em Minas Gerais: estudo de caso das bacias hidrográficas dos Rios Paracatu e Piracicaba

Abstract

In Brazil, concern about water management is clearly seen in the state of Minas Gerais, with strong action by the water resources management body, the Minas Gerais Institute for Water Management (IGAM), together with the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA), the River Basin Committees (CBHs) and other local authorities. Water management in the state relies on the use of the five management instruments set out in the so-called Water Law: water resources plans; classification of water bodies into classes; granting of rights of use; charging for the use of water resources; and an information system. In this context, this work assesses the implementation and evolution of these instruments in Minas Gerais, with an emphasis on the Paracatu (a tributary of the São Francisco River) and Piracicaba (a tributary of the Doce River) river basins, which play an important role in the state's economy, with agricultural and mining activities predominating, respectively. The work methodology included consultations to understand not only the process of implementation and evolution of the management instruments, but also the characterisation of the study areas in terms of physiographic, economic and other aspects, in order to find out how these factors can influence the water availability of the basins. Thus, the results obtained show the history of the implementation of the instruments in the basins studied and allow us to identify the main challenges already faced, among them the lack of updating and monitoring of the fulfilment of the targets set in the water resources plans and the difficulty in managing grants, which has led to water shortages in some regions. The results make it possible to identify the gains from implementing the charging instrument, so that the amounts collected help to protect the river basin, preserve springs and watercourses, as well as enabling the financial execution of various projects. Thus, the results obtained in this study allow us to conclude that the mere implementation of these instruments is insufficient, and that assertive management is needed that takes into account the specificities of each river basin.