Approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater is used by agriculture, according to the World Bank. In Brazil, the water used in the fields is predominantly collected from rain, but the government has programs aimed at protecting this resource.
Part of the São Francisco River Integration Project, the Spring Plan creates a framework for integrated government actions to preserve 10,000 springs in the region. Currently, according to the Minister of Integration, Helder Zahluth Barbalho (photo), more than 1,700 springs have already been protected. The Plan will last for ten years and its main objectives are to clean the river, reduce sedimentation, increase water supply, and restore degraded areas.
The River Planters program, launched in 2017 by the Ministry of the Environment, José Sarney Filho, aims to protect springs in Permanent Preservation Areas (APP). The ministry created an app that allows individuals, institutions, and rural landowners registered in the Rural Environmental Registry System (SiCAR) to engage directly in protection actions. So far, about 5,000 people have already downloaded the app.
To support the country’s farmers, who depend on water for all activities in the fields, the Water Producer program was created. Participants receive financial resources and technical guidance to implement projects that prevent soil erosion and spring sedimentation, improve water quality, and increase availability, not only in rural areas but for the country as a whole.
Source: www.brazilgovnews.gov.br