Paths for Sustainable Development in the Region of Low Paraíba do Sul River

Abstract

The present work aims to present strategies to promote sustainable development in the Lower Paraíba do Sul and Itabapoana Hydrographic Region of the state of Rio de Janeiro (RH-IX/ERJ), from the result of the application of a system of indicators called thrivability appraisal, specially developed in light of the UN 2030 Agenda, considering integrated water resources management as the main guideline to achieve its goals. This system works as a decision support tool for water resource managers and combines the seven dimensions of sustainability with principles associated with integrated and participatory water management procedures. The indicator system was developed at the regional level, starting from the case of RH-VIII (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and the Regional District of Nanaimo (Vancouver Island, Canada). The article presents an example of the application of this methodology in the RH-IX/ERJ, where the lower course of the Paraíba do Sul river basin is located.We conclude that the the socio-environmental system (SSA) under study has positive aspects, but also weaknesses in relation to the sustainability principles that constitutes the thrivability appraisal, and suggest alternatives to overcome the detected challenges, taking advantage of its potential.