A participatory approach to watershed management: The Brazilian system

Brazil is currently facing the challenge of implementing a new water resour ces management system to promote the rational and sustainable use of the co untry's waters. This system is based on the following principles of water m anagement: (2) stakeholders' participation; (2) the watershed as the planni ng and management unit; and (3) the economic value of water. Stakeholders' participation and the involvement of civil society in the decision making p rocess is guaranteed by permanent seats in the watersheds' management commi ttees. These committees are the highest decision level for the establishmen t of water policy and for planning its use. The executive branch of the com mittees is the watershed agency or the water agency. This paper presents th e recently approved Brazilian water resources management system and discuss es the participatory approach followed to validate and to ensure prompt res ponse to decisions regarding water use by all stakeholders. The formulation of the National Water Law (January/1998) was also supported by extensive c onsultation with civil society, professional associations, state and munici pal governments as well as with federal governmental agencies and private s ector organizations. It also presents an overview of the formulation of the National Water Law. Finally, as watershed committees have been created and are already operating in a limited number of watersheds, same of the major obstacles to the success of the new system are discussed along with altern atives for overcoming such obstacles.