Proposal for the restoration of the Cusagueta stream, as a supply source for the municipal aqueduct of Málaga, Santander, Colombia. (#1577)

Authors

Amaya Corredor, Carlos Alberto

Vargas Buitrago, Alba Josefa

Hernández Contreras, Carolina

Salazar Leal, Jair Steven

Salazar Leal, Gustavo Adolfo

Abstract

Environmental restoration is an integral strategy for the consolidation of ecosystems and their services, including water supply, which is vital for life in urban centers. Ensuring water supply for urban aqueducts is an essential condition for the well-being, equity and peace of the populations.   In this proposal, the high water load zone of the Cuzagueta stream was analyzed in relation to its ecosystemic service of water provision, as a source of water supply for the aqueduct in the municipality of Malaga, in the department of Santander. A process based on a descriptive methodology with a qualitative approach based on secondary information was organized. It was developed in three phases: starting with the characteristics and water conditions of the supplying ecosystem, documenting the ecosystem and the beneficiary population in the urban aqueduct served; it continued with the recognition of experiences of restorative processes, to learn about intervention alternatives and the formulation of strategies for the protection and recovery of water flows, with use as a water source for aqueducts; the process was closed by proposing the moments and structure of the selected strategy, to guide the forms and times of intervention in the territory and the communities. As a result, life zones, flora/fauna components, water flows and uses of water resources in the area were identified; based on the recognized experiences, the following strategies were selected to be proposed, linking the communities to develop: Reforestation with native species and adapted species such as Alder (Alnus jorullensis), Cypress (Cupressus lusitanica), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Weeping Pine (Pinus patula) that adjust to the geophysical conditions of the area, this complemented with governmental accompaniment and a strong process of citizen environmental education. The study specifies the process to be followed to strengthen the supply ecosystem, promoting its protection and conservation in the communities, and leaves the research process open for future follow-up and verification of the ecosystem's conditions.