A Sustainability Index of Environmental Dimensions in the Banabuiú River Basin, Banabuiú, CE

Abstract

This work emphasizes the importance of carrying out studies using definitions of parameters that portray local environmental realities according to indices that aid in planning and management of water resources. The methodological procedures involved in the study were based on a bibliographical review and database survey regarding the subject studied in the study area, field visits and the evaluation of the results. The methodology used was adapted from the proposal of Martins and Candido (2008), which uses a set of indicators related to environmental dimensions classified into two groups, one with positive indicators and another with negative indicators. Positive indicators contribute to the improvement of environmental quality of citizens and negative indicators reflect damage to local environmental conditions. Of the municipalities that make up the Banabuiú River basin, 92% have sustainable, potentially sustainable and average sustainable performance. Only the municipality of Monsenhor Tabosa presents low environmental indicators and is potentially unsustainable. However, in all of the municipalities there is clear need for improvement in several indicators, basic sanitation, the collection and disposal of waste, water treatment and sewage treatment. As a result, it is fundamental that these municipalities seek alternatives to improve their environmental indicators and reduce their participation in the environmental degradation of the Banabuiú River basin, and thereby collaborate in their planning and management in a sustainable way.