📋 Tender Overview
The National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (Senamhi), an organization attached to the Ministry of the Environment, published the scientific article Understanding the impacts of climate change and the transformations of land cover and use on the hydrological ecosystem services of the Piuray-Ccorimarca basin (Andean Mountain Range of Peru). This study aims to evaluate how climate change and changes in land use will affect the availability, regulation and quality of water, in order to guide sustainable management strategies and regional water policies.
The study was published in the international scientific journal Climate, and presents among its main conclusions that climate change will be the main factor that will transform the availability and regulation of water in the Piuray-Ccorimarca basin, in the Cusco region, with a projected increase of up to 47% in water availability and 8% in regulation capacity. However, changes in land use, especially due to urban expansion linked to the Chinchero International Airport, will critically intensify sediment production by 83%, affecting water quality.
The research reveals that, while climate change will dominate the hydrological response of the basin, changes in land use will have a significant impact on environmental degradation, by increasing erosion and sediment loading in water bodies. In terms of quantity, land use would increase available water by only 2%, but with relevant negative effects on its quality.
Likewise, the analysis identified eight vulnerable subbasins within the Piuray-Ccorimarca system, characterized by their low water retention capacity, which limits water availability during the dry season. Faced with this scenario, the study recommends the implementation of differentiated climate adaptation strategies, such as green infrastructure in critical areas and flexible conservation practices in less affected areas.
The results of this research constitute a solid scientific basis to prioritize investments in adaptation to climate change, strengthen the Remuneration Mechanisms for Ecosystem Services (MERESE) and guarantee water security in the Peruvian Andes. Furthermore, the methodological approach and findings represent a replicable model for other basins in the country, contributing to the strengthening of public policies against climate change.
The complete document is available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/14/2/49
Senamhi thus reaffirms its role as a Public Research Institute (IPI), developing applied science at the service of authorities and decision makers, for the benefit of the population and the sustainable development of the country.
