GESTÃO PARTICIPATIVA DOS RECURSOS HÍDRICOS EM SANTO ANTÔNIO DO IÇÁ/AM: ATUAÇÃO DA SECRETARIA MUNICIPAL DE MEIO AMBIENTE E DESAFIOS PARA APLICAÇÃO DA LEGISLAÇÃO AMBIENTAL

Participatory water resource management in Santo Antônio do Içá, Amazonas, Brazil: the role of the Municipal Secretariat of the Environment and challenges in enforcing environmental legislation.

Resumen

This article analyzes participatory water resources management in the municipality of Santo Antônio do Içá, Amazonas, Brazil, with emphasis on the role of the Municipal Department of the Environment, the available institutional structure, monitoring and inspection practices, and educational strategies for social participation. The study is justified by the need to understand how environmental policy is implemented in inland Amazonian municipalities, where dependence on waterways is high and institutional capacities are often limited. The objective was to analyze the challenges faced by the municipal administration in promoting participatory water resources management, considering the enforcement of environmental legislation and mechanisms for community involvement. The research adopted a qualitative, descriptive case-study approach and used bibliographic and documentary research, a semi-structured interview with a municipal manager, reports from public employees and residents, direct observation, and photographic records. The results indicate isolated advances in inspection, training, and educational campaigns, but also reveal limitations related to a reduced administrative structure, a shortage of technical staff, lack of laboratory equipment, the absence of a Municipal Environmental Fund, and the lack of a Municipal Water Resources Plan. Educational actions were also found to be discontinuous, while community participation occurs mainly through complaints and isolated mobilizations. It is concluded that municipal water management requires institutional strengthening, integration among public agencies, legal and financial instruments, and continuous environmental education.