RETRATOS DE GOVERNANÇAS DAS ÁGUAS NO BRASIL: Um estudo sobre o perfil dos representantes membros de Comitês de Bacia Hidrográficas.

Abstract

In this work, we sought to contribute to the studies on participation while presenting the profile of the representatives of state water basin committees in Brazil and offering information that can highlight important aspects of the inclusive capacity of the respondents. It also has the premise that “good” governance is elementary for achieving water security. The concept of public governance we used considers the word as the government's ability to articulate with other actors in the process of designing and implementing public projects and policies, based on collective decision-making. This conception reflects a concern both with the effectiveness and also with the democracy at the management of the basin. Given the diversity of actors involved, whether in the public sector, the private sector or civil society, with different interests and resources involved, it is considered important to understand the way in which these arrangements operate, in addition to the way in which the actors understand the decisions and the results from them. Therefore, we started from the perspective that it is possible to analyze basin organizations as governance arrangements composed of different actors that have the role of mediating, articulating, approving and monitoring actions for the management of water resources in their jurisdiction. These initiatives are characterized by management proposals imbued with aspects of decentralization, participation and integration. Governance arrangements for the management of river basins aim, among other aspects, to guarantee access to water and to institute standards for the protection of the quality of territorial waters, seeking water security. For the development of the work, a broad survey was carried out between November 2017 and November 2019 with the goal of identifying the actors who participate in the state committees, and how the representatives realize their involvement in the decision- making process. The analyzes were carried out based on a 35% sample out of a basis of 12,004 representatives, including members and deputies, who are part of 203 state river basin committees in Brazil. Interviews with representatives, participant and non-participant observation, informal conversations, and notes from the field diary were also carried out. With the development of the research, it was observed the existence of internal and external difficulties to the basin committees. Within the scope of the committees, the data allow us to trace the profile of the representatives, who are mostly male, from the middle and upper classes, high level of education, over 51 years of age, at the field of Engineering, and being member of basin institutions for between 1 to 5 years. On average, 30% have experience in other deliberative processes. It is noted that the lack of knowledge, on the part of some representatives, is a point that weakens the process of exchanging ideas and a fair balance in the participation of members in the committees, in addition to the overlapping interests of a specific group and individuals in decision-making. In the perception of the representatives, there are also difficulties in influencing government decisions and public opinion, making it clear that the committees still need adjustments to be effective in the management of water resources. The discussions presented contribute both to the researches in public administration and also to subsidize the effort to understand the democratic processes related to water governance from water basins, which are important elements for the management of this vital resource.