Pengairan Bofedales, bagaimana sistem irigasi kuno jadi penopang kehidupan? | DW Science

Summary

In the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, the Aymara people have developed ancient methods to manage water through channels and wetlands known as Bofedales. These techniques, passed down for generations, help slow water flow, enabling it to seep into the ground and nourish the land. Despite extreme climate challenges, Bofedales provide critical water for agriculture and livestock. As climate change intensifies, this ancient knowledge remains vital for survival, preserving ecosystems, storing CO2, and supporting communities. However, with increasing urbanization, this knowledge is at risk of being lost.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ancient practices of digging channels and ditches help to slow down water flow and make it easier for water to seep into the ground.
• 😀 The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, with some areas receiving no rainfall for over 400 years.
• 😀 Bofedales are wetlands in the Andes that supply water from rain and melting glaciers, sustaining life in the dry desert.
• 😀 Aymara communities have developed complex systems for collecting and distributing water, passing this knowledge down through generations.
• 😀 Fortunato Vilches maintains canals that have been used for generations to irrigate crops and provide water to grazing lands.
• 😀 Infiltration, the process of water slowly seeping into the earth, is a key concept behind these ancient water management techniques.
• 😀 Climate change is impacting northern Chile, causing more extreme temperatures, prolonged droughts, and less snowfall.
• 😀 Families in the region rely on alpaca wool sales and are highly dependent on water for agricultural and economic stability.
• 😀 Bofedales play a crucial role in ensuring water is retained and available during dry seasons, helping to minimize the effects of extreme weather.
• 😀 These water conservation techniques, developed over 1,000 years ago, are still used today in Latin America and Spain.
• 😀 The Bofedales ecosystem stores large amounts of CO2 and serves as a habitat for various species, acting as an oasis in the desert.
• 😀 As more people migrate from rural areas to cities, traditional knowledge of water management practices is slowly disappearing.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the ancient water harvesting technique discussed in the script?

The main purpose of the ancient water harvesting technique is to slow down the flow of water, directing it to specific areas to allow it to infiltrate into the soil, thus preserving moisture for longer periods and supporting agriculture and ecosystems in arid regions.

Where is the Atacama Desert located, and why is it considered one of the driest places on Earth?

The Atacama Desert is located in Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru. It is considered one of the driest places on Earth due to its extreme dryness, with some areas receiving no rainfall for up to 400 years.

What are Bofedales, and why are they important?

Bofedales are wetlands in the high Andes mountains that receive water from rain and glacial melt. They are crucial because they provide vital water sources for local agriculture and livestock, supporting ecosystems in the desert regions.

How have the Aymara people historically managed water in the Atacama Desert?

The Aymara people have developed complex systems to collect and distribute water in the Atacama Desert. They use canals, a practice passed down through generations, to irrigate their land and ensure water supply for crops and livestock.

What role do Bofedales play in the ecosystem of the Atacama Desert?

Bofedales play a critical role in maintaining the ecosystem by providing a water source for local wildlife, especially for the alpacas and llamas that are integral to the local economy and culture. They also help to store CO2 and support biodiversity.

How has climate change impacted the communities in the Tarapacá region of Chile?

Climate change has made the region more prone to extreme temperatures, reduced rainfall, and less snow. This has led to longer droughts and decreased water availability, significantly affecting the local communities who rely on alpaca wool sales for their livelihood.

What is the concept of infiltration, and how does it relate to the water management practices described in the script?

Infiltration refers to the process where water seeps into the ground. The Aymara people use this concept by channeling water in such a way that it has more time to soak into the soil, replenishing groundwater reserves, which are crucial for sustaining agricultural activities.

How has the ancient water management method remained relevant today?

The ancient water management techniques developed by the Aymara and other indigenous communities are still used today in Latin American countries and Spain. These methods are effective in reducing water evaporation and extending the reach of water, making them especially important in arid regions affected by climate change.

What challenges do the people in the Atacama Desert face regarding water availability?

The people in the Atacama Desert face extreme water scarcity due to the dry climate. With minimal rainfall and the effects of climate change, ensuring a consistent water supply for agriculture and livestock becomes increasingly difficult.

Why is the knowledge of these ancient water management techniques at risk of being lost?

The knowledge of these ancient techniques is at risk of being lost due to the migration of people from rural areas to cities, which leads to a decline in the transmission of this knowledge between generations. Additionally, modernization and changes in lifestyle are also contributing to its diminishing relevance.