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PDF
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Type:
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Conference Paper |
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Author:
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Lopez-Maldonado, Yolanda |
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Conference:
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Workshop on the Ostrom Workshop 5 |
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Location:
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Indiana University, Bloomington |
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Conf. Date:
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June 18-21, 2014 |
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Date:
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2014 |
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URI:
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https://hdl.handle.net/10535/9408
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Sector:
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Social Organization
Water Resource & Irrigation |
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Region:
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Central America & Caribbean |
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Subject(s):
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human-environment interaction
groundwater
Maya (Native American people)
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Abstract:
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"Human-Environment Systems emphasises the linkages between environmental (e.g.,
natural resources) and human systems (e.g., society). The major goal of this project is to
methodically investigate Human and Environmental Systems in contemporary Mayan
communities in Mexico as a case study, by combining natural and social science
approaches. The background of the project is the increasing production of scientific
literature addressing the importance of groundwater ecosystems for the provision of
services to societies and the rapid change and degradation of the groundwater in the
area. Particular emphasis in the Yucatan Peninsula aquifer case will be given to the
interactions of communities and institutions related to the use and management of
groundwater and to the understanding of feedbacks concerning human induced changes
in this ecosystem. Nowadays, the aquifer is threatened by anthropogenic activities
including tourism, agriculture and solid waste disposal degrading the capacity of this
resource. The aim is to develop a framework to study the dynamic relationships
between groundwater and social processes to enhance our understanding of the systems
and to develop an empirically ]based simulation model by involving institutions and
stakeholders. We will include both biophysical processes and associated human
behaviours of local members by considering the decision ]making of actors who
influence the ecosystem, their interactions, roles and perceptions. In a broad sense, the
use of system analysis and the analysis of traditional Mayan knowledge will be
investigated to find solutions for the groundwater problem and to foster regional
development in contemporary Mayan society."
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