Abstract
Universal access to the commons, such as to clean water, might be seen as a strong challenge to development as freedom. Beyond water scarcity, several regions are already suffering from lack of access, even where water is abundant. Meanwhile, climate change, overpopulation and agricultural demand are severely affecting the quality and availability of water resources. At the global level, concerns about water are tied to the Amazon Region, which contains the greatest potential water stock in the world, and which simultaneously faces the worst troubles in access and supply. This paper is therefore aimed at pointing out the role inclusive social innovations can play in mitigating the impact of growing water shortages and securing effective water use. After a first introduction to Brazil, Amazonas and Para state statistics on water-related aspects, the research focuses on results emerging from the AguaSociAL project.
Highlights
According to Schopenhauer (1818), the Veil of Maya disguises reality, preventing the observer from focusing clearly on the object
The present paper aims to point out the results achieved by AguaSociAL, a project focused on “Social Innovation in the Water Treatment Sector in the Amazon”†
The Brazilian Amazon, which area includes the North Region plus Mato Grosso and Maranhao, is rich in natural resources, whose exploitation has strongly influenced the economic growth of the area for decades, especially in terms of energy production (Table 1)
Summary
According to Schopenhauer (1818), the Veil of Maya disguises reality, preventing the observer from focusing clearly on the object. Attention should be paid to ideas and institutions, rather than to debating, often without concrete results, individual tools and instruments (Monni, 2013). When talking about water issues, technologies and management models should necessarily take into account social arguments as well as rethinking a more traditional planning methodology, aiming at granting populations better access to water resources and at improving the quality of this essential element of people’s well-being. Such an approach opens new possibilities and perspectives on management, research and evaluation of innovation processes.
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