IWRA Proceedings

Abstract

This work aimed to implement an innovative method of capacity development for the construction of citizenship based on the democratization of information in the search for more social engagement to revitalize the São Francisco River Basin (Brazil); the Project In the Waves of Sao Francisco (NOSF). The NOSF Project was an action of edu-communication, of the Department of Environmental Education (DEA/SAIC), made in partnership with the Department of Revitalization of Watersheds (DRB/SRHU), Departments of the Brazilian Ministry of Environment (MMA), and with the support of the Committee of the São Francisco River Basin (CBHSF). The NOSF Project consists of the release of spots produced by the communities of the Basin released in radio programs covering that region. The objective of the program was to give a voice to the communities, contributing to the process of mobilization and consciousness related to the importance of their participation in the processes of environmental and water management. In a partnership with radios, social movements and organized civil society, governmental organisms, committees of the basins and other representations, edu-communication workshops were made between September 2009 and December 2010 with the production of 36 spots; 10 workshops throughout the basin; 2 virtual workshops with the 157 participants and the consolidation of a social network with more than 300 members. The NOSF generated a collective expression, with the development of a methodological proposal viable for the São Francisco River Basin, enabling greater participation for its community in addition to enhancing favorable conditions for the formation of a process of adaptive water management and the strengthening of the revitalizing process taking place.

Keywords: environmental education – edu-communication – revitalization of river basin