Zamorano´s Contributions to Research and Outreach in Watershed Management in Central America

Abstract

Water is the most valued good and ecosystem service, by both rural and urban populations. Given its importance to the daily life of human being, water and watersheds provide unique opportunities to promote an integrated model of management including environmental, socio-economic and institutional aspects. It is in the watershed that the individual interest to use land for personal or family gains, has to be weighted with the public interest of obtaining water in good quality, quantity and on a regular basis. There are zones in the watershed in which the protection and conservation of the forest cover is critical for the sustained provision of water. In the last 18 years Zamorano´s watershed management program, with financial support from several national and international donors, has contributed to the protection of natural resources in important watersheds in the region. The program has also benefitted thousands of families through the re-construction and construction of water supply systems, both for irrigation and human consumption. Thousands of young people from rural areas have been trained and participated in natural resources protection and local development activities. Furthermore, hundreds of Latin-American youths (both women and men) have graduated from Zamorano and are now actively involved in watershed management and rural development across the region. Applied research conducted by professors and students from the Environment and Development Program has provided a better understanding of local work scenarios. This has aided in the planning and implementation of more precise and effective actions, to monitor and evaluate programs and projects. Zamorano´s contribution to the advancement of hydrological sciences in the tropics includes designing and constructing two experimental catchments Capiro-Zapotillo y La Tigra National Park. All of these programs and projects have made a significant contribution to rural communities and to society in general.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ceiba.v52i1.974