The Role of Public Innovation on Water Governance in Brazil

Abstract: It is impossible for the world to exist without water, then why do socio-political systems treat it like an unnecessary, disposable resource?  Currently, there is a water crisis happening globally, and specifically in Brazil it encompasses tremendous socio-ecological, political, cultural and economic injustices and challenges. The water resources management and the national infrastructures are inadequate to conserve and treat this valuable commodity. As a result, water is mismanaged and misused causing contaminations, scarcity and socio-economic imbalances. This condition is an unacceptable scenery that calls for radical systemic changes and incorporation of innovative approaches in governmental leadership and socio-political organisation and structure in order to achieve better governance. It is in fact a complex situation that urges the civil society and leaders in power to collaborate and collectively act towards a common mission; save the water and impede the water catastrophe that will cause unprecedented consequences in humanity and on the planet. This paper uses qualitative method research, specifically two case studies focused on the South of Brazil to address the revitalization of urban rivers as well as the issue of ocean governance. It also conducts 10 semi-structured interviews with sustainability experts from a multi-dimensional stakeholder perspective. Thus, the most critical findings of the study are the lack of governance and the insufficient engagement of the civil society due to mistrust, conservative leadership and governmental inadequate management of water resources. Moreover, this research concludes that social and public sector innovation encourage societal inclusivity and eventually foster a ‘bottom up’ system change to achieve interactive water governance and socio-political and ecological resilience.