Gestão sustentável de águas no Semiárido brasileiro: integração da bacia hidrográfica do Rio São Francisco (Eixo Norte) com a do Rio Piancó-Piranhas-Açu.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze water management in the integration of the São Francisco River Basin (North Axis) with the Piancó-Piranhas-Açu River Basin, investigating possible relationships among normative-institutional arrangements, governmental actions, and the socio-technical innovations implemented. The research employed the inductive-systemic method, constituting a case study that involved documentary and content analysis, encompassing the investigation of official documents and conducting interviews with stakeholders directly involved in the subject of the study. The documentary analysis comprised an extensive set of documents from various involved entities, while the content analysis was conducted according to Bardin's protocol, aiming to identify and map thematic categories, as well as explore the interrelationships among them. This approach enabled the revelation of patterns and connections within the analyzed data. The main results indicate deficiencies in the instruments of the National Water Resources Policy applied to the integration of the São Francisco River Basin (North Axis) with the Piancó-Piranhas-Açu River Basin, highlighting a disconnect between planning and execution, lack of coordination among the involved institutions, and limited social participation. It is concluded that the sustainability of the São Francisco River Integration Project requires integrated management and the adoption of socio-technical innovations. Strengthening governance, empowering basin committees, and promoting infrastructure improvements are important actions to ensure equitable access to water and to enhance social participation in water resources management.