Cultural Limnology in Patagonia: Knowledge and Water Management in Mapuche Rural Communities

SOLEDAD MOLARES; DANIELA MORALES; JUANA AIGO; SKEWES, JUAN CARLOS

Freshwaters and Wetlands of Patagonia Ecosystems and Socioecological Aspects

Springer

Año: 2022; p. 469 - 488

Cultural limnology aims tounderstand the values, knowledge and practices established between culturalgroups and waters, which, together, define their particular ways of life andsocio-cultural reproduction over time. In this chapter, we propose to address theserelationships and the ways of inhabiting waterscapes in Patagonia throughreviewing the experience of various Mapuche communities. Our results point toan intimate articulation between water bodies and human behavior. Moisture,rain, snow and other manifestations of the water world are lived in the generalframework that rules over the relationships between living beings. A close accommodationto water spaces ensures the creation of niches for the preservation of animaland plant life, as well as water management for human consumption, horticultureand family livestock. Traditional practices are combined withinnovations, in a community way, based on reciprocity and dialogue, both amongpeople, and among them, waters and the living beings that inhabit the place.Traditional limnological knowledge allows for resilience in the face ofsocio-environmental difficulties due to its diverse, flexible nature, andstrongly rooted identity. This knowledge can translate into challenges forco-management policies which guarantee the defense of water as a common goodand as an essential right. We conclude that the transdisciplinary approach ofcultural limnology not only can help to understand the dynamics between culture and waters,but also to discuss other ways of dealing with contemporary socio-environmentalproblems.