The Andean Glacier and Water Atlas

As local materials are used in the construction of micro-dams and atajados, they do not require a large investment. However, expertise and experience are required to appropriately locate the structure and construct retention walls that are stable enough to avoid collapse during the rainy season. It is important to involve the local communities actively in the development of adaptation strategies, such as water harvesting techniques. By adopting local ancestral methods, adoption and ownership of the adaptation strategy is more likely.

Improving water efficiency and supply Improving the efficient supply and use of water will become more important in the face of climate change and increased water stress. Factors to consider include not only the use of water, but also the quantity, quality and the timing of water supply (Moench & Stapleton, 2007). Examining the uses and identifying ways to decrease the dependency on water (water demand) and avoid using up or “wasting” water resources when not necessary, is an important first step. Similarly, including measures to reduce the amount of freshwater needed through recycling and reuse of water, including treatment systems, is an important adaptation action. For certain purposes, it is possible to reduce the demand of high-quality water by reusing or recycling water. In 2017, the UN World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) reported that around 80 per cent of global wastewater is released into the environment untreated. Instead of being seen as a burden for the environment and human health, wastewater represents an untapped water resource when treated correctly. Water supply in cities and urban areas, especially in high altitude areas, is a major concern in the Andean region. The water resources in the major cities, such as La Paz, El Alto and Quito, are under increasing pressure due to population growth and climate change (Buytaert and Bièvre, 2012). Adapting to these

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