Actors involved in governance related to water resources in the Abreus reservoir

Abstract

The combination of natural and anthropic factors affecting the quality of water resources shows the complex situation of water as an essential element for socioeconomic development. Considering the importance of joint action for the governance of this resource, it was necessary to identify the actors associated with the multiple uses of the Abreus reservoir, which is of interest for the territory of Cienfuegos. The actors directly and indirectly associated with the water resource were identified by the performance of roles and functions. The information was enriched with the power-interest analysis as a relevant criterion. The results show that the varied group of stakeholders represents organizations, institutions, companies and non-governmental organizations, which is favorable for governance as a participatory and empowering process for decision-making. The diversity of actors provides insight into the social scenario of participation and constitutes a strength for integration. The influence of power and interest determines three groups of actors: relevant, strategic and secondary. All the classification criteria are positive to promote effective governance processes in this aquatic ecosystem of anthropogenic origin, although the low interest of some stakeholders is presented as a gap that must be reduced to guarantee the quality in the provision of its services.