Gregorio Rios (75) is a self-taught architect. He has worked at several hydric systems constructions in Perú and Bolivia. A few years ago he came back to his native San Pedro de Casta in the central Andes of Perú, where he has been promoting the recovery and construction of ancient “water sowing” infrastructures, as many local farmers had been experiencing droughts due to climate change.
He has recovered and constructed the water sowing infrastructure project “Qochas”, along with the community in the Marcahuasi tableland, a sacred mountain that gave shelter to the mythical “Masma” culture.
What has climate change done here?
Firstly, there have been sudden changes in temperature, both hot and cold. Secondly, the water ratio has decreased significantly, and people, along with us specialists, have had to find ways to remedy this and ensure there is water. This implies that the water sowing plan must work.
Water sowing involves building infrastructure systems to collect rainwater, store it, and then direct it underground through filtration systems. There are several systems, fifteen in total, that need to be implemented, starting at the headwaters of the watershed and in all areas with favorable resources for constructing these systems.
What do you think world leaders have to do now to stop things from getting worse and to help us adapt?
One way to address and counteract climate change is by working on water sowing infrastructure projects. If this work is not carried out, the natural space will be left unmanaged, and torrential rains could cause water-related disasters. However, if we could construct these systems in time at all watershed headwaters around the world, I am confident that we could slow down torrential rains and limit the damage they cause.
If we do nothing, the consequences will harm not only communities but also cities, especially the lower coastal or plain areas. Therefore, water sowing work is essential.
Life expectancy 2023
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