Wetlands restoration and conservation of cultural and environmental value of Totorales in Huanchaco, Peru

Abstract

The Peruvian coast has approximately 40 wetlands that are part of the biological corridor of wildlife, especially birds. In addition, in Huanchaco the totora reed ponds are the main economic livelihood of the locality because of its traditional management to build the ''caballitos de totora'' (reed horses). Due to urban growth and the Niño Phenomenom, the consequences are flood, solid waste and sewage pollution, coastal erosion, and air pollution. The research explores the cultural, economic, and environmental importance of the Wetlands, as well as the historical framework of the ''caballitos de totora''. At the same time, it proposes conceptual strategies to be applied for the restoration of the Huanchaco wetlands with green infrastructure and participatory design, as well as for the prevention of the effects of the El Niño phenomenon and urban sprawl. In the first part of the study, a case study of restoration success stories is developed, an expert on the subject is interviewed, a site analysis is made and finally, a small-scale project exploration is proposed. In the second part, the guidelines to be followed are determined with the objective of replicating the strategies for other ecosystem and rainfall restoration projects. Finally, the project proposes participatory planning based on green infrastructure that functions as a sustainable drainage system, in turn creating a buffer edge with green corridors and waterscapes to reestablish the relationship between man and wetlands. This infrastructure takes advantage of the excess water that occurs during the El Niño phenomenon as an opportunity to create urban spaces and generate a series of green spaces that can be carried out with participatory planning by the fishermen of Huanchaco and their families.