The Contribution of Integrated Watershed Management to Resilience Against Climate Change

the case of floods in Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Objective – To analyze the flooding episodes that occurred in Rio Grande do Sul, mainly in the tributaries of the Guaíba River Basin, in the months of April and May 2024, from the perspective of integrated river basin management.

Methodology – The work, based on descriptive research analyses, seeks to understand and explain the causes of flooding, and mainly, their impacts. It aims to indicate recommendations for the management of the river basins.

Originality/relevance - Episodes of heavy rainfall have become more frequent in Brazil, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, causing serious social, economic and environmental impacts. Heavy rainfall results in the destruction of homes, loss of life and damage to essential infrastructures, such as health, education and transportation. The productive sector also suffers significant losses in agriculture, livestock and commerce, affecting the regional and national economy. Environmentally, rainfall causes flooding, erosion, landslides and silting, damaging soil, water, flora and fauna. The intensification of these events is linked to climate change and the lack of planning in the occupation of the territory and in the management of water resources. The occupation of risk areas, such as river plains and steep hillsides, exacerbates natural disasters. To mitigate these impacts, it is necessary to adopt Integrated Watershed Management (IWM), which considers the natural characteristics and limits of use of the areas. IWM involves robust policies and legislation, such as the National Water Resources Policy, and management techniques that promote infiltration and retention of water in the soil, reducing surface runoff and risks.

Results – The results obtained demonstrate the characteristics of the area analyzed, the causes of flooding and the importance of adopting integrated watershed management techniques.

Theoretical/methodological contributions – The methods used, based on descriptive and explanatory research, contributed to the understanding of flooding, its causes, consequences and possible actions to minimize its impacts.

Social and environmental contributions – The analyses and observations demonstrated in the article highlight the importance of public policies aimed at the adequate occupation of urban and rural land, especially in risk areas. They also highlight the importance of developing strategies to mitigate hydrological risks in vulnerable areas, based on integrated watershed management techniques, thus protecting people, animals, assets and structures.