PANORAMA OF THE MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURSES IN THE STATE OF RIO GRANDE DO NORTE, BRASIL

The availability and the different uses of water resources in the State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) have problems related to water management. This is due to its semi-arid conditions, geographical and physical state characteristics and the increased economic productivity of the region, which is focused in international markets. This paper aims to analyze the structure and operation of water management resources of RN against restructuring production processes and water use and availability. We carried out a systematic evaluation of the practices and instruments involving water management at RN. We then identified the activities with increased water demand and their relationship to the process of productive restructuring. The study revealed differences in the instruments for water management within the state and federal laws. We also found a lack of updates to the state water resources plan. There are very few river basin committees and capture licenses for irrigation and shrimp farming activities. The latter have the highest water consumption and they are located in the floodplain of the Piranhas-Acu River and on the north coast. In conclusion, the relationships between water use, licenses and economic growth in RN are due to a territorial productive restructuration generated in response to the dynamics of domestic and international markets. Although RN has an Integrated Water Resources Management System, it does not have an effective scope. Finally, the institutions responsible are limited in infrastructure and investment, so an adequate management of water resources is difficult to achieve.