Public policy for the integral management of water resources in Quindío-Risaralda 2008-2015

The water vulnerability caused by climate changes is increased by the weakness of decision-makers and the passivity of citizens, highlighting the importance of actions derived from public policy on the management of water resources. Using a qualitative methodological approach that involved exploratory aspects (case study, focus groups, semi-structured interviews and observation techniques), public policy actions were identified in the management of water resources in the departments of Quindío and Risaralda (Colombia) for the period 2008-2015, including the acquisition and reforestation of strategic areas for the conservation of this resource, establishment of Municipal Protected Area Systems SIMAP, campaigns for rational use and water savings; and actions for cleaning and recovering water sources. However, these actions are insufficient because of multiple problems, such as the pressure generated by population growth, urban growth and economic activities that affect the protection bands of the watersheds and head waters, demonstrating the weaknesses of the management of the water resource, which is why it is imperative to strengthen the actions taken against these problems, to update of the instruments of territorial ordering, and to create municipal plans and departmental development that include the environmental guidelines provided by the Environmental Authorities, which in turn must increase their presence in order to fulfill their objectives.