At the recent FORMAS conference on oceans and water, I presented research on the critical role of groundwater reserves in supporting rural communities and ecosystems in water-scarce regions of Colombia. My presentation highlighted innovative methods used to uncover and address these hidden water resources:
Environmental DNA to detect stygofauna, the microscopic life that indicates groundwater health.
Social Cartography to reveal how communities have lost the ability to "read" natural signals in their environment.
Behavioral Experiments to provide actionable insights for improved decision-making.
Interviews and Surveys to develop strategies for adaptation and resilience.
Economic History to understand how social norms, traditional knowledge, and institutions influence environmental perceptions and actions.
The discussion emphasized the urgent need for holistic strategies to prepare rural communities for the combined effects of climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, fostering resilience through better knowledge, governance, and resource management.
