Gobernanza del agua

Heterogeneidad y poder en territorios en conflicto en el Sur de Chile

Abstract

Globally, problems related to water resource management and organization shape complex territorial scenarios. In southern Chile, the construction of small hydroelectric plants in indigenous territories has strained state relations – Mapuche communities – companies in the hydroelectric sector. This work analyses these relationships in the Indigenous consultation process to see to what extent, the regulations of the State, and the framework in which relations develop, are a factor that allows or does not allow collective actions. Based on a qualitative methodology using a case study, the results allow to identify challenges for governance, related to the degree of heterogeneity of communities, power relations in the process, and the historical and territorial context, aspects that shape formal and informal structures and decision-making processes around water.