Environmental management of watersheds in Brazil – A new approach of management for environment and the water resources management

In 1997, Brazil enacted Law 9433 on Water Resources Management, based on the following principles: Water is a public asset; Water is a limited natural resource with economic value; In case of shortages, priority in the use of water resources is assigned to human consumption and drinking water for livestock; The management of water resources shall always allow for multiple water uses; The river basin is the territorial unit for the implementation of the National Water Resources policy and the actions of National Water Resources Management System; The management of water resources should be decentralized and cooperative.