7 Communities Respond to Glacier Loss in Peru

by Asociacion Instituto Andino de Montana
7 Communities Respond to Glacier Loss in Peru

Project Report | Jan 9, 2024
7th Report: Progress in the community of Carania

By Vidal Rondan | Project Leader

Old Anta Canal in a deteriorated condition
Old Anta Canal in a deteriorated condition

Dear Donors,

We are excited to share the progress and impact of the "Restauración de Tecnologías Ancestrales de Manejo del Agua" (Restoration of Ancestral Water Management Technologies) project, also known as RETAMA. This initiative, spearheaded by the Instituto de Montaña and generously funded by you, aims to support highland communities in addressing the loss of glaciers due to climate change. RETAMA is a group of seven highland communities, each possessing ancient water management infrastructure and ancestral customs. Two communities are situated in Ancash, and five are nestled in the Lima highlands.

In previous reports (III, IV, and V), we documented the inventory and operational status of ancestral water management infrastructures in the rural communities of Pamparomas and Tupac Yupanqui in the Ancash region, as well as Carania and Miraflores in the Lima region.

The current provides a detailed account of the activities conducted in the Carania Community, located in the Lima region. The primary objective was the rehabilitation and optimal functioning of the Anta canal, which plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water to the fields and Andean crops during dry periods, sustaining the Caranian families' livelihoods.

1. Rehabilitation of Ancestral Irrigation Canal, Reservoir, and Dam:

The local authorities and technical team from the Instituto de Montaña conducted an inspection of the current state of the Anta Ancestral Canal intake. During this on-site visit, it was observed that the irrigation water intake structure was deteriorating, causing water infiltration and leakage. Additionally, there were landslides, sand mounds, and vegetation hindering the normal flow of irrigation water.

Through coordinated efforts between Carania's community leaders, members of the community, the Irrigation Water Users Board, and technical support from the Instituto de Montaña, the reconstruction and lining project for 45 meters of the Anta Ancestral Canal intake was successfully completed. This initiative also involved the crucial tasks of stone clearing, sand extraction, and vegetation removal along a 1.5 km stretch of the canal.

2. Local Ancestral Knowledge and its Role in Climate-Resilient Water Management:

In coordination meetings with local authorities and during canal reconstruction and maintenance activities, there was a shared acknowledgment of the socio-cultural and environmental significance of ancestral water structures. These structures play a vital role in sustaining the Andean population's way of life amidst a climate crisis.

Mayor Saúl, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ancestral canals in the face of climate change effects, stated, "It is crucial to preserve our ancestral canals as Carania continues to prepare for the diverse impacts of climate change."

We express our deepest gratitude to all of our donors for supporting RETAMA, enabling us to make a positive impact on these communities. Your continued support is instrumental in fostering sustainable solutions for adapting to climate change in the highlands.

Vegetation clearing work in the old Anta Canal
Vegetation clearing work in the old Anta Canal
Sand and stone quarrying in the old Anta Channel
Sand and stone quarrying in the old Anta Channel
Reconstruction and lining of the old Anta Canal.
Reconstruction and lining of the old Anta Canal.
Meeting with residents of Carania
Meeting with residents of Carania
Collective reflection with community members
Collective reflection with community members
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Organization Information

Asociacion Instituto Andino de Montana

Location: Miraflores, Lima - Peru
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @TheMountainInst
Project Leader:
Jorge Recharte
Miraflores , Lima Peru

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