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The decreasing quantity and quality of water from glaciers has created numerous problems for local communities in the Andes, from health to pasturing and crop irrigation. To meet these challenges through collective action, Punas y Agua works with citizens to develop technical, social and cultural solutions to continue living in harmony with their traditional way of life. 

Accompanied by Cécilia Turin, a specialist in Andean pastoral and agropastoral systems at the Instituto de Montaña, this citizen-led initiative organises and trains local communities and researchers. Teams carry out on-the-ground research to find and implement the most appropriate solutions. Careful monitoring enables further research and constant improvements. 

Natural, ancestral water management methods 

Punas y Agua has helped communities in the Santa River basin (25,000 people) and the Cañete River (5,600 people) improve water access and quality. By reappropriating ancestral storage methods and optimising pasturing, water retention and flow in the high-altitude prairies have increased. Through this participative action, the research groups have evolved into regional networks connecting multiple communities. 

With support from the Instituto de Montaña, the solutions have also been duplicated and adapted in other Peruvian regions. 

Inspired by this citizen research project? Keen to show your support?