Reviving pre-Incan techniques to strengthen water security in Lima, Peru

AQUAFONDO
Publié: 03 février 2022
Dernière modification: 03 février 2022
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Résumé

Lima is facing severe water scarcity exacerbated by climate change and unregulated urban growth. To ensure a sustainable supply of water, the city is now investing in reviving pre-Incan technology to restore ancient channels in nearby mountainous watersheds. In the past, indigenous communities used infiltration techniques that relied on seasonal water flows. During the wet season, water was guided through infiltration ditches, seeping into an underground aquifer. In summer, the water emerged back onto the surface in low-lying parts of the mountain. Communities intimately understood the underground hydrological system – which canal infiltrated to which water spring. This type of water management provided them with a year-round water supply. Through the Natural Infrastructure for Water Security (NIWS) programme, this ancient knowledge is being put into practice once again. The restored water system increases local farmers' water yield and helps to sustain a reliable supply to Lima downstream.

Classifications

Région
Amérique du Sud
Ampleur de la mise en œuvre
Local
Ecosystème
Area-wide development
Rivière, ruisseau
Écosystème urbain
Écosystèmes d'eau douce
Thème
Adaptation au changement climatique
Connaissances traditionnelles
Gestion des bassins versants
Moyens d'existence durables
Restauration
Gestion des risques urbains et de catastrophes
Resilience and disaster risk management
Sustainable urban infrastructure and services
Défis
Sécheresse
Recul des glaciers
Hausse des températures
Objectifs de développement durable
ODD 3 - Bonne santé et bien-être
ODD 11 - Villes et communautés durables
Objectifs d’Aichi
Objectif 14: Services des écosystèmes
Objectif 18: Connaissances traditionnelles

Emplacement

Huamantanga, Lima, Peru

Impacts

Lima has historically relied on seasonal Andean flows from surrounding watersheds. Under a changing climate, glacial runoff will slowly disappear, increasing water scarcity in the dry season. Wet seasons are predicted to shorten while dry seasons lengthen. By slowing down the flow of water and recharging water stores, the pre-Incan techniques improve hydrological regulation and sustain supplies throughout the dry season.

 

The project shows the need to consider highland-lowland relations in addressing urban water challenges. Sustainable water management requires a systemic full-watershed perspective. Highland watershed communities should be acknowledged as stewards of ecosystems that provide vital services to lowland communities.

 

Additionally, it highlights the importance of supporting communities in rediscovering ancestral practices. The project shows how indigenous knowledge can offer a valuable complement to modern science and engineering. It underlines the importance of involving communities in the co-creation of sustainable development solutions.

Contribué par

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Eline van Remortel Earthwatch Europe