Abstract

This article analyzes the sociopolitical transformations experienced by the Venezuelan State between 1999 and 2019, which have impacted on the management of the Caroní river basin (located in the south of the country of national importance and due to its links with Colombia and Brazil). The study describes the complex scenarios and socio-ecological attributes that affect environmental governance and that impact the management of said basin. An adaptive research approach was used with a protocol for spatial and temporal scales with multiple case studies. The results show differentiated relationships that respond to socio-institutional cultures and the meanings of ecosystemic functionalities constructed by human groups through collective actions. It concludes with a definition of complex governance with variables dependent on non-specific territorial boundaries and links, temporal scales, administrative levels and/or jurisdictions, and dynamic actors that restructure and redefine institutional and community practices, now with increased rates of empowerment.

Keywords Complex socio-ecological system; collective actions; community empowerment; multi-territoriality; watershed management