WATER GOVERNANCE AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN BOGOTA

Introduction. Research that analyzes the social and legal process that have developed environmental communities of the Capital District, achieving participation in water governance for integrated management of their hydric sources. Method. A descriptive documental methodology has been undertaken, through material originated from studies about citizen participation in Bogotá D.C. Results. The councils for water management CGA have as historical background, social and civil movements that were originated in the 90s, for the defense of their territories, deteriorated by environmental problems, urban expansion, the invasion around rivers and the mismanagement of industrial and toxic waste public policy in Bogota D.C. The public policy of water governance developed in Bogota D.C. since 2012, has encouraged citizen's participation with the CGA, having had an impact on the handling and management of water system on which the communities are settled. Conclusion. The experiences of some social movements, and the installation and development of 43 CGA, haven´t been enough in their scopes, for a full enjoyment in the management of water resources, which allows to conclude that a good governance of water should be mainly based on the community leadership and in the search of the consensus of all involved actors, so as to generate public polices with social justice in water management. © 2016, Corporacion Universitaria Republicana. All rights reserved.