Although Costa Rica is known for environmental conservation policies, there are regions
where water is a rare resource. One of the most affected areas is Guanacaste, a province
where climate change is increasingly changing weather patterns, making long dry
seasons the norm. The people here rely on community-based water organizations- known
as ASADAS (Asociaciones Administradoras de Sistemas de Acueductos y Alcantarillados
Sanitarios)- which are responsible for distributing and managing local water resources.
However, ASADAS face significant challenges: growing demand, fading natural water
sources, and modern infrastructure projects that often disregard the traditional
knowledge passed down through generations in these communities. Yet, it is precisely
this traditional knowledge that could play a crucial role in developing sustainable
solutions to water scarcity. In my master’s thesis, I examine the role of traditional
knowledge in ASADAS and how it can contribute to the implementation of nature-based
solutions.
I explored these questions during my one-month research stay in Costa Rica, which I
completed as part of the project “Protecting livehoods and biodiversity in Costa Rica”.
Organized by the Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN) and the University of Osnabrück,
this project was funded by the German Academic Exchange (DAAD) and gave me the
opportunity to work directly with local water organizations.
A key component of my research was quantitative data collection. I developed a
standardized questionnaire with closed-ended response options, which participants
could complete either only via QR code or by pen and paper. This structured method
allowed me to systematically capture the perspectives of ASADA members and develop
comparable data. I worked closely with UTN translators to ensure that I accurately
understood and recorded the viewpoints of the communities.
The results revealed that many ASADAS are already implementing sustainable water
management measures. However, despite the promising nature of these approaches,
they often lack financial resources, institutional support, and knowledge transfer
mechanisms to scale up these solutions effectively.
One of the most impressive aspects of my stay was the close collaboration with the UTN
and the local communities. Research is not just about collecting data- it thrives on
engagement and dialogue with the people on the ground. My research stay in Costa Rica
was an experience that went far beyond academic work. I learned that sustainable
solutions for water scarcity are not only based on technological innovations but also on
the knowledge of those who have lived in harmony with nature for generations.
ASADAS in Guanacaste play a crucial role in local water management, yet they face
significant challenges. The key questions remains: How can traditional knowledge be
preserved and integrated in the long run to address the region’s water crisis?
This journey not only provided me with valuable insights for my master’s thesis but also
shaped me on a personal level. I am deeply grateful for the support of the Universidad
Técnica Nacional, my advisor, and, most importantly, the people on the ground who
shared their time and knowledge with me.
One thing has become clear to me: The future of water management should not be based
only on technical solutions. Instead, it needs a well-rounded strategy that brings together
science, policy, and traditional knowledge. Only through such an integrated strategy can