CHANGES IN WATER AVAILABILITY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE POPULATION’S ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION IN THE WESTERN AMAZON

Abstract

Although there is already extensive literature on climatic and hydrological variations in the Amazon, there remains a gap in understanding how local populations perceive changes in water availability—both in the rivers they frequented during childhood and in rainfall patterns—particularly in less-studied areas. Understanding these perceptions can reveal discrepancies or convergences between lived experiences and technical data, allowing environmental interventions and policies to consider not only hydrological metrics but also social and cultural narratives. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the environmental perception of the population of the Western Amazon regarding changes in water availability, considering both rivers and rainfall. The research involved 100 participants through semi-structured interviews and an online questionnaire, focusing on whether individuals perceive changes in the water levels of rivers they used to visit in childhood and in rainfall intensity in recent years. Results show that 72% of respondents observed a decrease in river levels, while 87% reported a reduction in rainfall volume, indicating that the population consistently perceives the impacts of climate change in the region. Quantitative analysis, supported by a literature review, suggests that these perceptions are grounded in concrete experiences and the observation of environmental changes, corroborated by recent hydrological and climatic studies. Furthermore, the research highlights that community perception holds not only environmental but also socioeconomic and cultural significance, as reduced water availability affects traditional practices, family farming, fishing, and water supply. Integrating local empirical knowledge with scientific data reinforces the importance of participatory water management and the development of public policies that address forest conservation, environmental education, and climate change adaptation strategies. The findings demonstrate that population perception can serve as a tool for awareness and local monitoring, providing complementary information to formal science and contributing to sustainable and inclusive decision-making in the Amazon. Finally, the study recommends expanding future research to explore different communities, hydrological indicators, and social impacts to strengthen the foundation for public policies aimed at water sustainability and socio-environmental resilience in the region.