Mining and campesino engagement: an opportunity for integrated water resources management in Ancash, Peru

ABSTRACT

Mining has become Peru’s largest source of revenue. There is evidence that many of the economic and social benefits of this burgeoning industry are not evenly shared across society. Uncertainty over water quality impacts from recent mining activity has been raised by indigenous campesino (peasant) communities in the Ancash Region highlands of central Peru. Adding to the growing conflict amongst competing water users is the current reduction of water availability caused by regional glacial recession. Based on interviews and focus groups this article explores opportunities for integrated water resources management to improve opportunities for campesino engagement in water resources decision making.

KEYWORDS:

• campesino communities
• indigenous people
• IWRM
• mining
• Ancash Region
• Peru

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the reviewers of an earlier draft of this article. Any errors or omissions are the sole responsibility of the authors. We are tremendously grateful to Asociación Urpichallay and UNASAM for their organizational support during the field component of this project. Finally, we acknowledge the generosity of the campesino communities, without whom this project would not have been possible.