Changes in Water Resources Systems:
Methodologies to Maintain Water Security and Ensure Integrated Management
(Proceedings of Symposium HS3006 at IUGG2007, Perugia, July 2007). IAHS Publ. 315, 2007, 149-156.
Conflict
analysis in implementing water resources management instruments
ZÉDNA
MARA DE CASTRO LUCENA VIEIRA & MÁRCIA MARIA RIOS RIBEIRO
Graduate Institutional Program on Natural Resources, Federal University of Campina Grande, Rua Montevidéu, 876, Campina Grande 58108-660, PB, Brazil
Abstract Water resources management instruments are often pointed out as resolution tools for conflicts caused by water scarcity (first-order conflicts). However, the very tools adopted in order to manage water scarcity may indirectly cause second-order conflicts. This paper describes second-order conflicts, which can occur from implementing water permits and bulk water fees (according to the new Brazilian Water Law), analysing the conflict (urban supply vs irrigation) over a reservoir located in a semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. Scenarios are built, based on: (a) conflict history, climate and hydrological regional conditions; (b) institutional, social and economic reality in the reservoir influence area; (c) three water management stages; and (d) different water permits and bulk water fees systems. Scenarios comparison gives information about management instruments attenuation/synergism potential, in relation to first-order conflict. Results presented by second-order conflict modelling can drive political decision-making for effective first- and second-order conflicts management.
Key-words Brazil; bulk water fees;
second-order conflicts; semi-arid; water permits