CULTURAL PRESERVATION
WADING IN THE WISDOM OF WATER
TAOS, NEW MEXICO, UNITED STATES
Photo: JN Stuart / Flickr
In Taos, water is life, and the “acequias” carry water and generational wisdom about sustainable living. When you travel to a new destination, look out for ways local history can inspire you to think differently about resources you take for granted at home.
What's
changing
We are all looking for inspiration on how to live more sustainably. In some cases, looking to our past may be the best way to inform how we live better in the future.
What's already
possible
In Taos, demonstrating the significance of centuries-old acequias (community-managed irrigation canals) to visitors and locals creates opportunities to unite in celebrating and safeguarding water as a vital resource.
Seizing
the opportunity
Many cultures view water as a shared community resource rather than a commodity. Engineering techniques that channel rainwater and snowmelt through slow-moving streams for irrigation and personal use have been passed from culture to culture for centuries. In New Mexico, Spanish settlers expanded upon existing Pueblo irrigation systems about 400 years ago, creating an acequia network that still exists in the region today. Each acequia is overseen by a “mayordomo,” a superintendent responsible for managing the water flow. A “parciante,” who holds water rights within the acequia network, is tasked with maintaining the system to benefit everyone downstream. The system is thought to be one of the oldest examples of communal governance still in use today. The communal approach and the deep cultural significance of the acequias are believed to be key reasons why the system has endured as a model of sustainable water use for agriculture.
Standout
tactic
Before each irrigation season, everyone who benefits from the water flowing through the acequia network participates in cleaning and clearing the areas surrounding the stream during an event called the “limpia.” The event reinforces communal bonds and responsibility for protecting the environment.
How
it helps
Taos has 54 acequias that continue to unite the community, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective stewardship, cultural heritage and traditional practices that can aid our pursuit of sustainability.
Diving
deeper
Given that commercial agricultural practices often prioritize higher yields and profit margins, how can the acequia systems maintain their cultural and environmental value in the face of modern economic pressures?
Increasing
impact
Collaborating with other regions that have or had similar traditional water management systems could lead to a broader network of communities working together to preserve and promote these ancient practices. Sharing knowledge, resources and experiences can enhance the impact of acequias beyond Taos and spread the cultural wisdom that comes from stewarding them.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
