Cultural Limnology in Patagonia: Knowledge and Water Management in Mapuche Rural Communities

Abstract

Cultural limnology aims to understand the values, knowledge and practices established between cultural groups and waters, which, together, define their particular ways of life and socio-cultural reproduction over time. In this chapter, we propose to address these relationships and the ways of inhabiting waterscapes in Patagonia through reviewing the experience of various Mapuche communities. Our results point to an intimate articulation between water bodies and human behavior. Moisture, rain, snow and other manifestations of the water world are lived in the general framework that rules over the relationships between living beings. A close accommodation to water spaces ensures the creation of niches for the preservation of animal and plant life, as well as water management for human consumption, horticulture and family livestock. Traditional practices are combined with innovations, in a community way, based on reciprocity and dialogue, both among people, and among them, waters and the living beings that inhabit the place. Traditional limnological knowledge allows for resilience in the face of socio-environmental difficulties due to its diverse, flexible nature, and strongly rooted identity. This knowledge can translate into challenges for co-management policies which guarantee the defense of water as a common good and as an essential right. We conclude that the transdisciplinary approach of cultural limnology not only can help to understand the dynamics between culture and waters, but also to discuss other ways of dealing with contemporary socio-environmental problems.