Brazil holds a favorable position compared to other countries, concentrating approximately 12% of the world's surface freshwater availability. Despite the ample water reserves each region of the country faces distinct challenges regarding water resources management.
Recent episodes of acute water scarcity in the country, spotlighted issues regarding water resources management and governance. The absence of an integrating authority responsible for the coordinating of the decision-making process by the multiple governmental authorities in a timely manner is identified as one of the main problems in the water resources sector. The problem is particularly acute when conflicts emerge between users or governmental authorities. The problem is exacerbated by the static licensing system that does not consider the variation in natural hydro inflows.
The governance of water resources is paramount for Brazil’s electricity power supply, given the predominance of hydrogeneration in the country. Although hydrogeneration does not consume, the hydroelectric operation alters the natural water flows in rivers. Thus, hydroelectric operation impacts and is impacted by hydro restrictions imposed to meet other hydro resource uses.
Seeking a realistic diagnosis and tangible solutions for improving water resources management, a series of interviews were conducted with experts from various sectors related to water resources governance and management. Professionals from specialized consultancies, academia, electric power generation companies, water and energy regulatory agencies, water and sanitation companies, and other governmental institutions were selected.
The combination of qualitative and quantitative interview techniques enables flexible interactions between interviewees and interviewers, while still ensuring coverage of key issues. This approach enables the development of concepts, ideas, and understandings based on patterns found in responses and observations, while also providing quantitative data that allows systemization of responses from various stakeholders from different areas of expertise and of water usage.
One of the major issues mentioned was the lack of coordination among the various authorities responsible for water licensing and management, yet when questioned about the establishment of a new institution responsible for coordinating the entire decision-making process of all agencies involved, responses were divergent.
The study's methodology provided a comprehensive understanding of water governance dynamics, identifying both areas of convergence and divergence among stakeholders. However, notable gaps remain, including the lack of economic signaling for water restrictions and challenges in data measurement and coordination. Addressing these gaps requires collaborative efforts among sector stakeholders to ensure effective decision-making and resources management.
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