Aplicação do diário de água na análise do conflito pelos diferentes usos da água no distrito de Pecém, São Gonçalo do Amarante, Ceará

Abstract

The increasing demand for water in the district of Pecém (state of Ceará, Brazil) has intensified existing conflicts between local residents and the industry sector – heavily active in the area due to an industrial complex and an international port (Complexo Industrial e Portuário do Pecém - CIPP). The source of these contentions over the use of water in the area are a response to state-level governmental efforts to prioritize the utilization of the water resources in Pecém (namely the Dunas aquifer) for industrial and commercial purposes, over the needs of the local population. Facing this antagonist context, the present study aims to foster a debate over local water supply and demand as well as promoting research engagement through the development of water diaries by local high school students. This participatory methodology was conducted alongside the public school Edite Alcântara Mota, situated in the Pecém district, and developed as a tool for students to register and evaluate issues related water within the context of the students’ communities, with particular attention to the different uses and purposes of water resources. Findings indicate that a majority of students are aware and concerned about the possible detrimental consequences of the demands of the industry sector on the household water needs of the population, despite their direct mobilization and engagement with the local conflicts. In addition, students registered the sources of water utilized in their households and findings indicate that this sample is representative of the general picture of household water use in the district of Pecém.