Socioeconomic and environmental impacts: an assessment of the surroundings of the Realejo dam, Crateús-CE

Abstract

In 1980, the Realejo dam was built in the state of Ceará to meet demands related to rural human water supply, agriculture, and native species fishing. Through its construction, it is crucial to understand the dynamics between water and the rural population, regarding water availability, agricultural practices, and the socio-economic well-being of the community. The study aims to assess the social, economic, and environmental impacts resulting from the construction of the Realejo dam, located in the municipality of Crateús-CE, over four distinct periods: 1980-1990, 1991-2011, 2012-2017, and 2018-2022. Historical data, oral history, social cartography, and remote sensing techniques were used to evaluate the land use and occupation surrounding the reservoir. It was observed that the dam's construction fostered the growth of irrigated agriculture and the increase of human settlements in the region, but also led to the degradation of forest cover, the contamination of water resources, and a possible loss of traditional family farming in the area. The results underscore the need for preliminary studies before implementing hydraulic projects to assess the feasibility of execution, understand the social and environmental implications of construction, and support the development of strategies for integrated and sustainable water resource management.