Event
DocuScience: YAKUKAMAK: The struggle to protect water
The Rumipata and Llangahua indigenous communities live in a unique water ecosystem: the páramo. For centuries, indigenous peoples have lived and coexisted with this magical, fragile and biodiverse waterscape high in the Ecuadorian Andes. Both communities coexist with the páramo, from which they obtain water for their reproductive needs and survival, and the same water feeds the rivers and streams used by those living in the lowlands. Such coexistence has not been an idyllic path for these communities, but one paved with power struggles, controversial nature-human relationships, and socio-environmental and colonial injustices that have persisted over time.
The conservation and restoration of water ecosystems has received increasing global attention, and páramos are no exception. These unique, fragile, and strategically vital highland ecosystems regulate the water cycle and serve as significant carbon sinks. However, the expansion of cities, industrial enclaves, and water-intensive agriculture exerts increasing pressure on these ecosystems, endangering both their ecological integrity and the livelihoods of the communities that live in and depend on them.
In Ecuador’s central Andes, Kichwa indigenous communities have coexisted with páramos for centuries, yet in recent decades, these water-rich landscapes have drawn the interest of urban centers, conservationists, environmental NGOs, and state agencies. These actors promote protection and restoration initiatives in which historically marginalized indigenous voices are often sidelined, forcing communities to navigate increasing uncertainty around water access.
About YAKUKAMAK: The struggle to protect water
Yakukamak is a short documentary made in close collaboration with two indigenous communities. It is part of the 'BIOdiversity and Ecosystem Protection driven by Environmental JUSTice (BIO-JUST)' project. Through this documentary, we aim to amplify and democratize the research findings to diverse audiences. As well as telling a moving and timely story, it is an invitation to fly into the breathtaking mountains of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Good to know:
Good to know, the documentary is Spanish spoken and English subtitled.
Agenda
| Time | Topic | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 17.00-17.05 | Welcoming and introduction of the BIOJUST project | Jaime Hoogesteger and Jean Carlo Rodriguez, WUR and German Institute of Development and Sustainability |
| 17.05-17.10 | Introduction to the Ecuadorian case study and documentary | Jaime Hoogesteger and Juan Pablo Hidalgo-Bastidas, WUR |
| 17.10-17.35 | Yakukamak: the struggle to protect water | |
| 17.35-17.45 | Comments on the film and topic | Gerben Gerbrandy, Watershed and Water Program of Tungurahua - Ecuador |
| 17.45-18.30 | Q&A | Audience – BIOJUST team |
Details
The documentary will be shown in Omnia and admission is free of charge. The program will begin at 17:00, with the room opening at 16:45. After the program, you are welcome to talk while enjoying the DocuDinner.
Dinner in restaurant Novum afterwards?
Exclusively for DocuScience, restaurant Novum, in Omnia, offers a DocuDinner. For €24,50, you will be served a delicious main course and a drink. The DocuDinner starts after DocuScience has ended at 19:00. Reservation is required and can be done through the Forms. Already filled in the Forms, without making a reservation yet? Make a reservation via mail. Please mention DocuScience in the e-mail.
About DocuScience
DocuScience is a program in Omnia, where employees of Wageningen Campus share insights into the inspiring work happening at Campus. We will explore new perspectives through provocative documentaries that encourage conversation. Everyone working at Wageningen Campus is welcome, so bring your colleagues!
Movie poster
