MONITORING OF THE RIBEIRÃO GRANDE BASIN
Restoration Guide
to Cerrado Mineiro
Monitoring in the Ribeirão Grande Basin
In 2023, through the Conscious Producer Investment Program (PIPC) , the Cerrado das Águas Consortium implemented five hydrological monitoring stations in the Ribeirão Grande basin , located in the municipality of Serra do Salitre (MG) .
These stations, equipped with linimetric rulers , are monitored monthly, and the collected data is sent to the CCA (Cerrado das Águas Consortium) for analysis and compilation. In partnership with the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI) , the flow data is evaluated, generating the following hydrological indicators:
Average Flow Rate
It represents the average amount of water that flows through a point on the river during a given period. This value is influenced by factors such as rainfall, evaporation, soil cover, and the size of the river basin.
Dry Flow
Indicates the minimum flow observed during prolonged periods of drought. It is an essential parameter for planning water use during times of scarcity, ensuring both the maintenance of ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
Water Commitment Index
It expresses the relationship between water demand (permitted use) and natural water availability. This index allows us to identify areas under greater pressure and guide priority conservation actions.
Water Level
It corresponds to the height of the water surface relative to a reference point. It is an important indicator for understanding seasonal variations and detecting anomalous changes in the behavior of a water body.
Collaborative Management in Small Basins: Why Monitor?
To understand local water dynamics and strengthen the water resilience of sub-basins, it is essential that producers are recognized as active parts of the water system.
Because rural properties are located within basins, water conservation depends on collective action and shared management. In a scenario of intensifying climate change, with longer droughts and extreme events, collaboration between different water users becomes even more urgent.
Fundamental Elements of Collaborative Management in Rural Areas
Collaborative management is an approach that prioritizes the direct involvement of local stakeholders. In small river basins, its effectiveness depends on:
Active community participation
Involvement of local organizations and community leaders
Trust and cooperation
Building solid relationships between different users and institutions
Training and access to information
Inclusion through education and data democratization
Shared goals and benefits
Alignment of interests to generate concrete and fair results
Benefits of Collaborative Management
The adoption of collaborative practices in the management of small river basins provides:
Continuous water availability and quality;
Rational and sustainable use of water resources;
Reduction of conflicts between users;
Strengthening the autonomy and protagonism of communities;
Greater resilience in the face of climate change.
