Participatory process and sustainable water management: the case of the Rapel basin, Chile

Código

XXIII-SBRH0307

Autores

gabriella benisson, Rodrigo Rojas, Edmundo Claro, Hernan Blanco, Graciela Correa

Tema

01 - Planejamento e Gestão de Recursos Hídricos

Resumo

To date, Chile has had a poor record when it comes to the implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and, subsequently, a large gap remains to achieve sustainable management of the country?s water resources. The involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including water users, in the decision-making process is seen as a key aspect of IWRM. This paper explores the development and implementation of a 2-tiered participatory process (PP) in the Rapel river basin in central Chile, with the aim of understanding the key problems, needs and opportunities of all relevant stakeholders. Shared Vision Planning was used to collaboratively define a desired image of the Rapel basin by 2050 and a series of water management tools were proposed to help achieve this vision. Whilst this process marks just the beginning of efforts towards sustainable water management in the basin, there are positive signs that the stakeholders are prepared and committed to embark into a transition to a more formalised basin organisation. Finally, results from a Social Network Analysis into the ways in which the key stakeholders interact, provide an insight into potential changes required to a future improved water governance in the basin.