The Chief Scientist Program – Water Resources, established by the Ceará Foundation for Scientific and Technological Development Support (FUNCAP), includes the development and periodic updating of the Water Resources Plans for the twelve river basins of the State of Ceará. These plans are designed to guide the implementation of the State Water Resources Policy by addressing both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of water use.

Water Resources Plans are among the management instruments established under Brazil's national and Ceará's state water resources legislation. They provide comprehensive information on the physical, socioeconomic, and environmental characteristics of each river basin while defining priorities for water resources management, projects, programs, and investments. Developed or updated with a medium- to long-term perspective, the plans are aligned with regional planning strategies and support the implementation of water resources initiatives. Their proposed actions and strategies aim to strengthen water security and reduce conflicts over water use.

The plans are based on a comprehensive assessment of key factors, including drought and flood conditions, water demand, environmental sanitation, and environmental challenges such as reservoir sedimentation, deforestation in Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs), unplanned urban expansion, and irregular land occupation. Their development combines two complementary pillars: the production of technical knowledge about each river basin and close collaboration with the River Basin Committees (CBHs), ensuring their active participation in planning and decision-making processes. In this way, the plans embody the principles of decentralized and participatory water resources management established by Brazilian water legislation.