Traditional and modern technologies easing water stress in communities

From camellones in Latin America to sponge cities in Asia, the world is adopting a hybrid approach that combines traditional wisdom with innovative technological solutions to safeguard water.

At a time when water was not readily available at the turn of a tap, Colombia’s indigenous communities adapted and thrived in harmony with their environment. Across wetlands, mountains, and valleys, indigenous peoples developed systems such as ditches and camellones, raised earthen structures that helped regulate water distribution and storage. These agricultural techniques reflected a deep respect for nature, ensuring abundant harvests and sustaining their communities, even in times of drought or heavy rains.

Today, centuries later, this ancestral knowledge is making a resurgence in response to a global water crisis that threatens ecosystems and societies. In Bogotá, the Zanjas y Camellones collective is reviving these traditional methods in the Van Der Hammen Nature Reserve, located in the Suba district. But Colombia is not the only place where “traditional” solutions are once again playing a pioneering role in water conservation.

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Ancestral hydrotechnologies: A response to the climate emergency and water conservation

Nature-based solutions are not a recent innovation. Centuries ago, civilisations across the world developed water systems that not only met their needs but also respected and harnessed natural cycles. Today, in the 21st century, some of these ancient techniques are proving to be effective in addressing global water challenges.

One notable example is the Incan hydraulic marvels in Peru, where engineering and nature work in harmony. One of the most impressive systems is at Tipón, near Cuzco, where canals and terraces continue to channel and efficiently manage water for agriculture. Designed to withstand extreme climate variations and promote water conservation, this system remains a model for managing water in difficult and mountainous terrains.

A similar approach can be found in Iran, where the ancient Persian qanats—underground aqueducts dating back over 3,000 years—capture water from aquifers and guide it to the surface, minimising evaporation losses. Although they require regular maintenance and community involvement, these structures remain vital for supplying water to rural Iranian communities, demonstrating a balance between tradition and necessity.

In Europe, the irrigation ditches of the Spanish Levante region stand as a testament to the coexistence of ancient knowledge and modernity. Inherited from the Arab period, these hydraulic networks continue to impress with their simplicity and efficiency, particularly in the huerta of Valencia. Beyond irrigating crops, these ditches contribute to aquifer recharge, support healthy ecosystems, and help conserve water.

These historical systems are now paving the way for future water management strategies. A pilot programme in Valencia’s huerta integrates fibre optics and sensors into the irrigation ditches to optimise irrigation schedules. This real-time monitoring system enhances efficiency and ensures more sustainable water resource management.

Major global projects ensuring water conservation

While ancient solutions demonstrate the value of traditional knowledge, modern projects highlight how innovation can address monumental challenges. Across different regions, cutting-edge initiatives are tackling critical water and environmental issues to build a more sustainable future.

In Africa, the Great Green Wall is being developed as a natural barrier against desertification in the Sahel, a region spanning more than 20 countries. This ambitious ecological corridor, stretching from Senegal to Djibouti, aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land. By curbing desert expansion and rejuvenating ecosystems, this initiative has already improved food security, provided water sources, and created jobs in rural communities. Though still under construction, it represents a beacon of hope against climate change and water scarcity.

In Asia, Singapore has compensated for its limited natural resources by developing advanced urban water systems. The city-state is recognised as a global leader in sustainability, thanks to projects such as artificial wetlands and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). For example, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park integrates a reengineered river channel with regenerative green spaces, combining water conservation with urban flood mitigation. These multifunctional landscapes not only enhance residents’ quality of life but also restore the balance between city and nature.

China, meanwhile, has taken decisive action against the widespread issue of urban flooding, which affects millions annually in its increasingly dense cities. Its solution is the development of sponge cities—urban models designed to absorb, store, and reuse rainwater efficiently. Using permeable pavements, green roofs, and wetland restoration, these cities function like sponges, capturing excess water during rainy seasons and retaining it for drier periods. Cities such as Wuhan and Xiamen are leading the way in implementing these strategies, demonstrating that urban challenges can be addressed without compromising sustainability.

In the heart of Saudi Arabia, where freshwater is scarce, innovation has become a crucial survival tool. The Jubail 3B project is a pioneering example of how renewable energy-powered desalination is revolutionising global water management. Located on Saudi Arabia’s east coast, this mega-project not only provides clean drinking water to millions but also redefines the balance between technology, sustainability, and efficiency.

Led by ACCIONA in collaboration with SEPCOIII, the facility has a capacity of 570,000 m³/day—enough to supply water to two million people in Riyadh and Qassim. What truly sets it apart is its commitment to sustainability. By integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar power, into its processes, the plant has significantly reduced its carbon footprint compared to conventional desalination facilities. In fact, it has achieved a 20% annual reduction in grid energy consumption.

Water conservation is not just a necessity—it is a collective responsibility that links the past, present, and future. From local communities to large-scale international initiatives, collaborative efforts are essential to ensuring that water—the source of all life—remains accessible for generations to come.

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