Sustainability index in the municipal district of the Marapanim river watershed (Pará/Brazil)

Abstract

Objective: The present study applies the water sustainability index to municipal seats belonging to the Marapanim river basin, aiming to assess the management of these cities through Pressure-State-Response (PSR) indicators. Methodology: The applied water sustainability index, derived from Chaves and Alipaz (2007), proposes key indicators (Hydrology, Environment, Life, and Policy), structured and evaluated according to the Pressure-State-Response matrix. Relevance: The Indicators of Pressure-State-Response, formulated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), have a great potential for application in the management of water resources and construction of policies for resolving conflicts over water use. Results: The municipal offices of Castanhal, Igarapé-Açu, Marapanim, and Terra Alta obtained a sustainability index of 0.40; 0.50; 0.44; 0.54 and 0.5 respectively (Regular), and São Francisco do Pará achieved a result of 0.54 (Good). Despite being in the same watershed, each had its particular response in the PSR matrix, with weaknesses in common, especially in hydrologic and environmental indicators. Theoretical contributions: The principal contribution is to support the formulation of public policies capable of representing reality the reality of the watersheds associated with more effective action recovery, conservation, and preservation of priority areas. Management contributions: The contribution lies in the integration of various indicators (hydrological, environmental, policy, and life) that represent the needs of each water territory, supporting the decision-making of public managers.