Examinando por Materia "Water management"

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Environmental, economic and social perceptions of community members on the role of water, soil and natural grasslands as a basis for local development in Acopalca, Peru
(Head Start Network for Education and Research, 2024-06-19) Maldonado Oré, Edith M.; Yaranga Cano, Raul Marino; Pizarro Carcausto, Samuel Edwin; Cano, Deyvis
The concept of ecosystem services has gained popularity among academics, researchers and policymakers to support environmental management and biodiversity conservation, so that many development projects in rural areas have merited investment for restoration and improvement of grassland ecosystems accompanied by training programs for the beneficiaries, With this criterion in mind, the study investigated the perception of puna pastoralists in Acopalca, Peru, regarding the degree of knowledge about the significance of the ecosystem services provided by soil-water-grasslands, with the objective of characterizing the environmental, social and economic dimensions of this local perception, through the application of a survey to the representative of the livestock family affiliated to two producers' associations. It was evidenced that cattle-raising families have a limited understanding of the role of the natural resources they directly access and little clarity on the relationship between natural pastures, family income and access to basic services. The results revealed limitations in environmental perception, evidencing a lack of knowledge about the multifaceted contribution of pastures. Social perception showed neutrality in the relationship between pastures and family income, and a discrepancy in access to basic services. The comparison between associations highlighted significant differences, indicating the need for training strategies adapted to the local idiosyncrasies of the beneficiaries. In conclusion, addressing the deficiencies identified in community understanding was essential to strengthening sustainable natural resource management in Acopalca. It highlights the importance of designing specific training programs, considering the particularities of each group, to promote self-management and community participation and thus achieve more comprehensive and sustainable local development.
Local ecological knowledge for water management: a feasible solution through ecosystem services in high-Andean mountains
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-02-27) Flores Marquez, Ricardo; Puga Calderón, Rodrigo Julio; Condori Ataupillco, Leivi Tatiana; Madrigal Martínez, Santiago
Introduction: Mountain ecosystems are particularly sensitive to the impacts of climate change, which, in turn, affect the wellbeing of local populations. In this context, the sustainable use of ecosystem services is crucial to supporting the social and economic welfare of Andean communities in South America. The development of local ecological knowledge has facilitated both environmental adaptation and strengthened environmental awareness. Particularly, the qocha, an ancestral water-related agricultural technology, provides hydro-social value, and represents a local climate-change adaptation measure, however their ecosystem services valuation has not been integrally performed. Thus, we aimed to map and assess the perceived services associated with Yuyuchaqocha, a small reservoir managed by a high-Andean community characterized by pronounced economic poverty. Methods: The methodology included semi-structured interviews with key informants, participatory mapping, and field observation. The participatory process involved the community, municipal, and technical stakeholders operating within the study area. The economic valuation was done by contingent valuation, market prices, and travel cost methods. Results: The results revealed that local inhabitants recognized 10 ecosystem services (five provisioning services and five cultural services), primarily concentrated along its shores. The total local perceived value of these services was estimated at USD 10,104.97, benefiting the rural communities of Huanupampa and Totos. Among the cultural services, those related to community organization, species conservation, and the pagapu celebration had the highest economic values. Discussions: Disseminating the results at various organizational levels would foster the integration of the local worldview into management plans, contributing to their legitimacy and sustainability, and promoting the involvement of institutions engaged in the intervention of mountain water socio-ecosystems. In this regard, integrating local ecological knowledge with ecosystem services valuation can be replicated or adapted in other regions.