The ancient acequia system in the Sierra Nevada of southern Spain has provided irrigation and drinking water for over a millennium. This traditional water management system, built by the Moors, is sustainable, efficient, and resilient. However, the system is now threatened due to lack of profitability and rural depopulation. Climate change is making it even more crucial to adapt to water scarcity and prolonged droughts, making the acequia system vital for the region. Restoration projects are working to revive abandoned acequias and recover traditional ecological knowledge, but support for further restoration is lacking. The future of the acequia system depends on community involvement and awareness of its importance.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient acequia water management system threatened | From sustainable to endangered | Fewer people with skills to maintain acequias | Rural exodus and lack of profitability in traditional agriculture |
| Climate change makes acequias more important | From important to vital | Increased reliance on acequias for water management | Worsening water scarcity and unpredictable resources |
| Research on sowing water could be replicated | From local to global implementation | Adoption of similar systems in mountainous regions | Interest in Andean countries and potential in other areas with similar conditions |
| Restoration projects aim to revive abandoned acequias | From disuse to restoration and recovery | Revival of traditional ecological knowledge and practices | Social intervention, improved governance, and promotion of community empowerment |
| Acequias undervalued and lack support | From undervalued to recognized and supported | Recognition of the efficiency and ecosystem services provided by acequias | Growth of high-tech agriculture and lack of understanding about traditional systems |
| Preservation of acequias depends on community involvement | From community support to community abandonment | Involvement in maintenance and social organization | Lack of involvement and awareness leading to loss of acequias |