SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION OF THE BACANGA RIVER: A CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW ON CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES FOR NAVIGABILITY AND WATER MANAGEMENT

The navigability of urban water bodies is intrinsically related to their environmental condition, the anthropic use of the banks and the infrastructure for aquaviary circulation. In the context of São Luís (MA), the Bacanga River stands out for its historical, ecological and functional potential for navigation, especially for small vessels and traditional riverine activities. However, the current scenario reveals a deep degradation and siltation of the river. Thus, the present work carried out a literature review to analyze, through a bibliographic review, how human pressures, environmental pollution and water governance failures contribute to the degradation of the Bacanga River and limit its navigability in physical dimensions, operational and environmental/sanitary. It was realized that the rehabilitation of navigability requires a perspective aligned with existing needs, which includes basic sanitation, efficient and sustainable environmental management and the promotion of socioeconomic development of riverine communities. Thus, it seeks to ensure the health of the population and the preservation of water resources, despite the initiatives of tourist tours that aim to enhance their value.