The use of conflict mediation by the Sergipe River Basin Committee as a tool for implementing decentralised water resource management

Abstract

Parallel to the growing demand for multiple uses of water, conflicts between its users appear, contributing to the increase in the number of cases submitted to the Judiciary. This study aimed at analyzing the existence of mediation as a method of resolving possible conflicts related to water resources in the Sergipe River Basin. The qualitative approach research was developed based on a bibliographic survey, by means of consultations with books, pertinent legislation, articles in scientific and non-scientific journals and, documental, through the analysis of the minutes of the meetings of the Sergipe River Basin Committee, its Internal Regulations and the Climatological Report that analyses the rainfall variability by regions in Sergipe, from 2000 to 2017. The results revealed that despite moving towards recognizing mediation as a method for resolving conflicts, the Committee faced several difficulties in carrying out decentralized management of water resources, especially with regard to the resolution of water disputes. Possible solutions to some of the problems faced by the Committee can be pointed out, such as training its members in water resource management and conflict management, in addition to making them aware of participating frequently in Committee meetings and also stimulating the participation of the population in these meetings.