Diagnóstico ambiental da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Macabu

Abstract

This article presents a survey of the environmental, social and economic components of the Macabu River Basin, and highlights the main impacts that affect its water system. To examine the relationship between the components of the basin with the problems identified in the study, this investigation included a review of the literature, field activities aiming at empirical observation of the site and collection of water samples for laboratorial analysis, as well as interviews with key informants. These actions allowed the identification of important issues related to the management of the watershed, of the major conflicts related to the use of natural resources, and the various causes for the degradation of water quality and reduction of water volume. The investigation concluded that the Macabu Basin demands great efforts to implement environmental management with integration of water resources management. These efforts must involve the civil society, water consumers, and the government in a joint mobilization to change the current water availability, sanitation and the relationship of individuals with their environment in order to improve quality of the environment and of the population as a whole.