Analysis of the participative planning process in the construction of the hydrographic basin plan: a study of the 2016-2027 plan of the baixada santista committee

Abstract

Social participation in the elaboration of plans is a fundamental part, contributing to decentralization and making public policies translate the interests of society. Thus, this study aims to analyze the challenges and highlights the advantages of social participation in the river basin committees of the State of São Paulo, through a case study of the Hydrographic Basin Plan (PBH) 2016-2027 of the Hydrographic Basin Committee da Baixada, comparing social participation according to the eight levels listed by Arnstein (2002). The research methodology adopted was the participation and observation of the committee meetings and the application of a questionnaire to the members of two Participatory Workshops. During the process, it was observed that the main difficulty was the articulation and management in the organization of events for the population to participate, since it caused a delay in the duration of the planning. However, the involvement of the population makes it possible to carry out planning closer to the local reality, making it more feasible and involving the population in decision-making, as well as in raising awareness of the preservation and conservation of water resources.