Políticas ambientais, hídricas e sustentabilidade na tríplice fronteira do Alto Rio Solimões

Abstract

Water management in the tri-border region of Brazil, Colombia, and Peru presents a significant challenge, particularly given the abundant water resources of the Amazon Basin and the social, environmental, and institutional complexities involved. Despite the abundance of water resources, the region suffers from structural problems such as a lack of basic sanitation, unplanned urban expansion, pollution of water bodies, and vulnerability to extreme weather events. The relevance of the topic is grounded in its direct contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), which addresses access to clean and safe water; SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), by highlighting health risks; SDG 13 (Climate Action), given the vulnerability of communities to extreme events; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by reinforcing the importance of international and inter-institutional cooperation in the shared management of water resources. This study aimed to understand the multiple uses of water and its management in the Upper Solimões River region, taking into account the specific characteristics of the three countries involved. The institutional and legal frameworks were analyzed, identifying the actors and social relations that make up the water management network, and the nature of shared uses was evaluated. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach, with an exploratory and descriptive nature. A case study was adopted as the technical procedure, focusing on the municipalities of Tabatinga, Benjamin Constant, and Atalaia do Norte (Brazil), Leticia (Colombia), and Islândia/Santa Rosa Island (Peru). Data collection was carried out in three stages: a review of literature and documents; the identification of local actors and institutions; and in-depth interviews with water management stakeholders. The results demonstrate that, although the Alto Solimões region possesses abundant water resources, it faces serious challenges regarding integrated resource management. An absence of effective governance mechanisms and a deficiency in institutional coordination among the three countries were observed. Environmental management is fragmented, with limited civil society participation and strong pressure on natural resources from private sectors such as fishing. It was found that riverine communities depend directly on water bodies for consumption, hygiene, production, and transport, yet they contend with pollution and waterborne diseases. The thesis concludes that water resource management in the tri-border area requires a cooperative, transboundary approach, involving institutional strengthening, integration among stakeholders, and investment in infrastructure and environmental education. Social participation and the recognition of local knowledge are key elements for the region's water sustainability.