Recursos hídricos transfronteiriços e tutela ambiental : uma análise dos desafios brasileiros no gerenciamento do Aquífero Guarani

Abstract

This research reflects about the Brazilian challenges in managing the Guarani Aquifer, considering the environmental risks and the legal framework surrounding the issue. In order to fulfill this task, this study analyses, in its first chapter, the situation of water, especially groundwater, at global and national level. Then it discusses the environmental crisis experienced by contemporary society and the way of dealing with the risks related to water availability. After that, this study analyzes the human right to water, its relation with the concept of sustainability, as well as talks about national sovereignty and its connection with the perception of the environment as a heritage of humanity. These concepts reflect in the good governance of the water resources. The second chapter of this study discusses the legal and political protection of groundwater, based on the investigation on the dominion of the water and on the competence of federal entities to administer and to legislate on water issues. The second chapter also brings the research of the Brazilian legislation that addresses the subject. Finally, the third chapter focuses on the discussion of the Guarani Aquifer, outlining its technical and legal concepts, and proposes guidelines for the national management of the aquifer based on the legal instruments, which are public policies under discussion in the National Water Resources Council, water resources plans, environmental zoning, watercourse use grants and charging for water use. The proposal for the national management of the aquifer does not mitigate the importance of having an international management of it.