Introduction

Water management

Vicosinos say: "We are nothing without the Quebrada Honda," the steep valley where the life-giving water from the glacial field flows into the Rio Santa and travels a total of 270km to the coast. Living beneath the glaciers, Vicosinos are acutely aware of the importance of their source of water and they have noted that the size of the glaciers have diminished significantly in the lifetime of the older generation. They are also concerned about the pollution of the drainage basin from local mines. Between 1999 and 2000 an innovative water management project called: "Water Forever: Peasant System of Monitoring the Quality of Water" was initiated by Vicos with the assistance of two NGOs: The Mountain Institute and Urpichallay. This module examines the significance of water in Vicosino culture and how they attempt to control this fundamental resource.

Credit: Urpichallay Association

 

Read More about Water Management