Challenges in Managing Fisheries in the Sao Francisco Watershed of Brazil

Abstract

"Effective, sustainable governance and adequate management of socially valued, common-pool resource systems have been a major challenge to society on a global scale. With rapid population growth and intensification of resource extraction, the magnitude and number of resulting impacts and conflicts have significantly increased, particularly since the 1970s in developing countries. The present paper will discuss the multifarious situation of resource-user conflicts in the Sao Francisco watershed in central and northeastern Brazil. Here the situation is multi-leveled with this river crossing different ecosystems, various socio-economic systems and several state boundaries. Moreover, government agencies from different levels (federal, state and municipal) and sectors have a stake in this river management. A rapid assessment of main environmental and socio-economic problems related to common-pool resource use, particularly fisheries, has been carried out in June 2003. Through observations, interviews and focus group discussions with representatives from the local Government, NGOs and fishers' associations (Colonia de Pescadores, Associacao de Pescadores), major conflicts and tensions have been mapped out in various communities along the river. Professional, traditional fishers seem to be the most disadvantaged stakeholder group, in the given common-pool resource scenario, because their livelihood directly depends on resource abundance and diversity. With declining fish populations most of the traditional communities nowadays live in poverty and consequently are often in conflict with sport fishers, farmers, cattle ranchers and hydroelectric power plants. The paper analyses the role of major stakeholders and their concerns with respect to resource use. It discusses the possibility of co-management to overcome stakeholder conflicts in the watershed and searches for answers to questions such as: Can fishing accords as co-management arrangements, contribute to effective governance? What can local and regional governments do to promote co-management? What role may international bilateral agreements and international NGOs play in sustaining this resource system? The paper finally concludes with an evaluation of the potential and hindrances regarding co-management in the specific case of the Sao Francisco watershed."