Educação ambiental e disponibilidade hídrica superficial em Lençóis-BА: um programa participativo de gestão da água em espaços não formais

Abstract

This research investigates the surface water availability of the main water sources used for human supply in Lençóis-BA, understanding it as a socio-environmental issue that demands participatory educational processes based on Environmental Education to promote sustainable water management in non-formal spaces. This study addresses 6 of the 20 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) of the 2030 Agenda. The main objective is to promote participatory Environmental Education within the Lençóis Visitors' Guides Association (ACVL), aiming to broaden understanding of water availability and the collective construction of sustainable water management practices in the municipality of Lençóis-BA, encouraging sustainable management and preservation of local water resources. The methodological approach is qualitative, involving a literature review and data collection (academic and secondary) from official websites, followed by a participatory methodology from a collaborative perspective, involving action research. A questionnaire was used. As a research technique, this study was used for diagnosis of the topic, which underpinned the subsequent stages of the research, involving six workshops and a field visit with the participants. In conclusion, it was found that the availability of surface water in Lençóis has significantly decreased in recent decades, approximately 86%, creating an alarming scenario. This highlights the need for attention and debate from the entire community, recognizing Environmental Education as a fundamental strategy for critically understanding the problem and promoting sustainable water management practices. 80% of the responses obtained through the questionnaire attribute this reduction in the volume of water in Lençóis' surface water sources to the large number of wells drilled in recent years, causing a significant lowering of the water table, associated with water misuse, lack of rain, climate change, wildfires, deforestation, population growth, and tourism. The water balance shows a negative supply-demand balance, which confirms the participants' impressions that they see environmental education as a way to incorporate actions that promote the sustainability of water resources. Water resources in Lençóis. The proposed actions were systematized in the ACVL Environmental Education Program, built in a participatory manner based on this research.