This paper presents some of the most important innovations linked to the State Program of Microcatchments (State of Sao Paulo) - PEMH. Concepts of sustainable development, public administration and development projects as well as programs are discussed. This conceptual frame was used to study innovations that took place during PEMH implementation. PEMH involves about 1,200 microcatchments and 90,000 rural producers in the State of São Paulo. The main conclusion is that PEMH can be classified as a complex program of international development, that decentralization is a very important factor, as well as the changes in the approach to identify, understand and meet the community´s needs. The last important conclusion is related to the importance of promoting an intensive report of program goals and results.
public administration; organizational innovation; sustainable development; development program; microcatchments
