July 2021 - On July 15th, representatives of the Rio Doce Panel attended the regular meeting of the Rio Doce Watershed Committee (CBH-Doce) to present the conclusions and recommendations of the Thematic Report "Source-to-sea and landscape approaches – Integrating water quality and biodiversity conservation in the restoration of the Rio Doce watershed". The report evaluates studies, data and technical-scientific information on the current state of water quality and the state of terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity in the Rio Doce watershed. The recommendations include measures that contribute to a better understanding of interactions and aspects related to the long-term conservation and restoration of the region.

The Rio Doce Panel's experts, Maria Cecília Wey de Brito and Francisco Barbosa, presented the potential benefits of adopting the source-to-sea approach and implementing the landscape perspective with a focus on biodiversity restoration and water quality improvement. Francisco, an expert in freshwater ecology, explained that "the combination of the two concepts (source-to-sea and landscape approach) allows for an integrated view combining aspects within the watershed and beyond, including physical, chemical, biological and ecological aspects the social, economic and cultural ones". 

The strategic importance of watershed committees was emphasized, mainly to articulate different actors and promote participatory management. "We know that participation is not a simple process, but it is essential in a landscape approach, including understanding the interrelationships between the ecological, social, economic, and cultural dimensions that enable a complete reading of the territory", emphasized Maria Cecília, who is a biodiversity expert.

Representatives of several institutions members of the CBH-Doce raised questions about acting under the source-to-sea perspective, considering the limitations of the institutions involved in the restoration and the governance system established after the Fundão Dam collapse. They also recognized the importance of integrating the marine environment in the actions underway. The Rio Doce Panel reinforced the need to involve the interested parties in articulating instruments already foreseen in the legislation and planning future activities and the long-term nature of the recommendations, aiming for a more resilient and sustainable recovery of the Rio Doce watershed. 

The Rio Doce Panel presentation is available on the Rio Doce Watershed Committee YouTube channel, starting at 02:07:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvGfmPyqUB0. 

To read the full report and recommendations, access: https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2021.07.en.