THE CHALLENGES OF GOVERNANCE IN WATERSHED AREAS

This study presents an analysis of the operation of the Council of Representatives of Paranapiacabaand Parque Andreense (CRPPA), which deals with occupation of the Source Water Protection and RecoveryArea in the Municipality of Santo André, in the Metropolitan Region of S o Paulo. Understanding theimportance of shared administration between the Public Administration and civil society, the objective ofthis study is to assess if CRPPA has been able to fulfill its role, acting as a channel for dialogue and sharing ofpower. To that end, bibliographical review, field trips and qualitative and quantitative analysis of interviewswith CRPPA councilors were performed. Data used in the development of the analysis refer to the termwhich ended in 2008 and were gathered between 2007 and 2008. CRPPA still presents basic operationaldifficulties which do not match findings in other research work of different councils in that municipality.Santo André has shown experience in shared administration, and progress made in other processes andcouncils should be incorporated by the Council of Representatives of Paranapiacaba and Parque Andreense.