Integrated management and planning of water resources in the Ancash region

Abstract

The article focuses on integrated water resource management in Ancash, Peru, underscoring the vital importance of water for agriculture, human subsistence and environmental conservation in a region facing significant challenges due to climate variability and increasing water demand, especially critical on the coast with its low per capita availability. The research adopted a qualitative approach that combined a documentary review of public policies, interviews with local authorities and the analysis of data from institutions such as the Regional Directorate of Agriculture and the National Water Authority. A systematic review methodology was applied to evaluate irrigation and sanitation infrastructure projects, highlighting the implementation of integrated watershed management practices. The findings revealed significant deficiencies in irrigation infrastructure and in the coordination between institutions for water management, with high losses in conduction systems and a lack of effective water accreditations to guarantee adequate supply in agricultural and rural sanitation projects. It is concluded that it is crucial to establish a specialized body to continuously supervise and monitor projects from the initial stages, coordinating actions between public and private entities. In addition, it is recommended to strengthen the role of the Regional Directorate of Agriculture to lead the planning and execution of agricultural policies, promoting a culture of water and exploring innovative strategies such as reservoirs to optimize the use of water resources, essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the socioeconomic and environmental sustainability of the region in the short term.