THE IMPORTANCE OF VIRTUAL WATER AND THE WATER FOOTPRINT IN THE CURRENT SCENARIO OF INCREASED DEMANDS FOR WATER RESOURCES

Abstract

Contextualization: Despite the fact that Brazil holds about 13 percent of the world's freshwater potential, the concern with secure access to this finite wealth is especially justified when considering the inequality of its availability in the different regions of the country. In addition, it is also necessary to consider the quantity of water that is exported (virtual water) through the international trade of commodities, which makes it relevant to examine the possibility of adopting the concepts of virtual water and water footprint in the context of the National Water Resources Policy.

Objectives: This text aims to bring up the concepts of virtual water and water footprint, with a view to demonstrating its importance in freshwater management, focusing on the Brazilian context.

Method: Regarding the methodological aspects, the following are adopted: as to its approach, the type of qualitative research; regarding its nature, the modality is applied, as it aims to present suggestions; finally, with regard to the objectives and procedures, exploratory research is chosen, with literature review of the theme.

Results: It is intended to confirm that water, as an essential element for life and economic development, needs a management based on environmental, legal (regulation and inspection), economic and geopolitical aspects, including virtual water and the water footprint as mechanisms for planning water management and governance.