Abstract

LUNA HERNANDEZ, Sara María  and  MADRONERO PALACIOS, Sandra Milena. IMPORTANCE OF THE SOCIAL COMPONENT IN WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, THE ENCANO RIVER, RAMSAR LA COCHA WETLAND (NARIÑO, COLOMBIA). Luna Azul [online]. 2016, n.42, pp.200-216. ISSN 1909-2474.  https://doi.org/10.17151/luaz.2016.42.13.

This article aims to analyze the relevance of society in the use and management of water sources in El Encanto River, a water source of great importance because it belongs to one of the areas declared as Ramsar wetland in Colombia. To achieve this objective, a diagnosis of the different uses of the water from the river was conducted through recognition fieldtrips, both in the área of study and in the population, related to the water resource where a population of 80 families was determined and applied semi-structured interviews. Likewise, the uses given to water resources by the community along the river were georeferenced, and among them, dumping download and deposits are hignlighted. Finally, the information collected was processed in the Excel Program. From the results obtained, the problem related to water resources was highlighted, where the inadequate management of wastewater stand out being the greatest impact activity in the source, as well as stockbreeding and agriculture which makes important use of the resource and has contributed to its deterioration. Additionally, social variables such as education and job were stablished since they play an important role in the management of the resource. After analyzing the information obtained through this research, it is possible to conclude that the river has suffered modifications of its physical and chemical characteristics due to the permanent anthropic intervention. Similarly, it is established that the processes of water management by the community are incipient, and it is necessary to strengthen environmental education for all population present in the area.

Keywords : Water quality; diagnosis; management; Ramsar wetland; water resources.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )