Researchers: Karinne Deusdará, Jonathan Mota, Coca and Vanessa, Joana Darc de Medeiros, Adelena Maia, Sandra Saad, Andreia Lema, Heber, Wagna Moura
Summary:
INTRODUCTION: Real-World Laboratories (RWLs) are experimental spaces in real territories, focused on the production of transdisciplinary knowledge and the development of sustainable solutions with active public participation. In them, the shared understanding of problems and the processes of scientific and social learning are as relevant as the practical results achieved (Kohler et al. 2021; Bernert et al. 2024). This approach recognizes that, beyond technical data and institutional capacity, it is essential that the communities involved collectively identify the structural causes of the challenges, favoring more equitable and feasible solutions (Parodi et al. 2023).
In this context, the LMR in the Pitimbu River basin, in the metropolitan region of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, was created to address water security challenges posed by urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change. The basin suffers from disorderly land use, water pollution, and weak governance structures, with low social participation and limited action by the basin committee. These factors jeopardize the water supply of a significant portion of the population of Natal and Parnamirim (NATAL 2024).
The laboratory's main objective is to develop participatory management and governance strategies aimed at protecting water resources and enhancing ecosystem services. To this end, it seeks to: (1) assess the impacts of urbanization and climate change on the basin's water resources; (2) develop environmental education and social mobilization initiatives; (3) strengthen community participation in water governance bodies; and (4) propose a payment for environmental services (PES) program aimed at conserving the river's headwaters.
METHODOLOGY: The LMR adopts a transdisciplinary approach, combining technical and participatory methods. For goal 1, hydrological modeling with the SWAT model and instrumental monitoring are applied. Goal 2 activities include workshops, field classes, and educational materials. Goal 3 advances through discussion groups and coordination with the committee. The PSA proposal for goal 4, still under development, is based on socio-environmental assessments and dialogue with residents of the source.
PARTIAL RESULTS AND FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The partial results demonstrate that the LMR approach has contributed to integrating scientific data and local knowledge, promoting advances in both knowledge production and social engagement. Hydrological modeling activities, still underway, indicate critical areas for surface runoff and reinforce the importance of the basin's recharge zones. River level sensors have been installed, enabling continuous monitoring and reducing the historical data gap.
The educational activities revealed a low level of local identification with the Pitimbu River, but demonstrated a high potential for transformation through continued action. During the field trip, the inappropriate use of construction waste as an improvised means of containing stormwater erosion was observed. This practice, while demonstrating local effort, poses significant environmental risks by contributing to the silting and pollution of the watercourse.
The outreach to the source community, especially Quilombo dos Palmares II, demonstrated a strong willingness to embrace conservation practices, paving the way for the collective development of a PES program. These actions demonstrate that LMRs can drive fairer and more effective solutions to water management challenges, especially in vulnerable urban and peri-urban regions. The continuity and deepening of governance strategies, combined with institutional and financial support, will be essential to guarantee the progress already made and expand the positive impacts on the region's water security.
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