Desenvolvimento de indicadores de sustentabilidade aplicados a bacias hidrográficas urbanas : um estudo de caso na região amazônica

Abstract

The detection of impacts on watersheds involves biological, chemical, hydrological, and geophysical variables. Indicators serve as a tool to systematically communicate this information by quantifying data, progress, phenomena, and perceptions in a simplified manner. In the evaluation of a watershed, both quantitative and qualitative indicators and the understanding of their information determine the ideal level of sustainability. Through the Delphi method, a matrix with 46 sustainability indicators for urban watersheds was developed, specifically in the context of the Legal Amazon, focusing on ecology, hydrology, management, infrastructure, sanitation, and environmental quality. The research aimed to address the challenges posed by urbanization and climate change on watersheds and proposed the application of sustainability indicators to identify vulnerable areas and assist in decision-making for mitigating environmental impacts. The application of these indicators in the case study of the Tucunduba River basin exemplified the study's utility in providing important data for the sustainable management of watersheds. Furthermore, the study led to the creation of a technical manual for calculating sustainability indicators, aiming to standardize and facilitate the environmental management of watersheds, providing a clear and structured pathway for the continuous assessment and improvement of water resource management in urban areas.