The perception of social actors on the influence of pau dos ferros dam for local development

Abstract

The research aims to discuss the influence of the Pau dos Ferros Dam on Local Development (DL), from the perception of the social actors directly involved in the exploration and management of the reservoir's water resources. A bibliographic research was carried out in recognized authors, in addition to field research that included the application of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with the social actors directly involved in the exploration and management of water resources. In the selection of the residents interviewed, the minimum length of residence in the vicinity of the reservoir (10 years), being a member of the Fishermen's Colony, the Workers' Union, or the Association of Settlers of the Irrigated Perimeter were taken into account, and for the other interviewees, representatives of entities and public agencies with direct action in the area surrounding the reservoir were selected. The results indicate that the reservoir plays a relevant role for the water supply of Pau dos Ferros/RN and surrounding cities, as well as being a source of employment and income generation, a place for leisure, was decisive for the exploration of tourism-related activities and served as a driver for the realization of some public and private investments. On the other hand, attention should be paid to the pressure related to the growing demand, as well as attention to the improvement of the actions that must be provided by the Government in favor of the residents of the surroundings of the Pau dos Ferros Dam.