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Rainwater and Spring Water Catchments Gumisachi

Implementation of an innovative rainwater and spring water harvesting and storage system in Gumisachi, utilizing the most efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

Municipality

MX
Bocoyna, Chihuahua,

Category / Sub-Category / Topic

Environment, Agroecology

Type of investment needed

Grant

Associated SDGs

The challenge

The Gumisachi community faces severe water scarcity, affecting crops, ecosystems, and basic access to this vital resource for its 45 inhabitants due to excessive logging, forest fires, and recent climate changes (UMAFOR, JRAS from 2018 to 2023).

The project

The initiative aims to build an adaptable and sustainable rainwater and spring water harvesting system to address the water scarcity affecting the Rarámuri indigenous community in Gumisachi, Municipality of Bocoyna, Chihuahua. This project not only ensures access to water for domestic and agricultural use but also promotes environmental sustainability and community autonomy.

Project Pillars:

  • Sustainable Water Infrastructure: Construction of water harvesting and storage systems using reusable materials and interconnected designs to optimize resource use.
  • Community Empowerment: Practical training for residents in the construction, maintenance, and monitoring of water reservoirs, strengthening the community’s capacity to manage its resources.
  • Environmental Conservation: Implementation of strategies to protect essential ecosystem services such as water, soil, and forests, which are fundamental to local sustainability.
  • This model is replicable in other communities and follows a collaborative approach, involving residents in every stage of the process. It also utilizes local and recyclable materials, promoting cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

This project aims not only to mitigate the effects of water scarcity but also to generate a systemic impact by positioning Gumisachi as a model of water and environmental resilience in the Sierra Tarahumara.

The Rarámuri community of Gumisachi is building its future through a sustainable water infrastructure project, supported by the PIL Program and a community-driven data collection process to understand local challenges and adopt this innovative initiative. By ensuring access to water, empowering the community, and protecting the environment, this project serves as an example of how to tackle climate change challenges collaboratively and sustainably.

The construction of water harvesting and storage systems, adapted to local conditions and built with reusable materials, not only improves the quality of life for residents but also positions Gumisachi as a reference point in the search for innovative water management solutions in rural areas.

Know more...

The Gumisachi community, located in the Sierra Tarahumara within the Municipality of Bocoyna, Chihuahua, is characterized by its altitude of 2,150 meters and a semi-cold subhumid climate, with harsh winters and short summers. This environment, predominantly covered by coniferous forests, faces growing environmental and social challenges.

The main issue is water scarcity, caused by excessive logging, forest fires, sedimentation in water bodies, and a significant reduction in rainfall over the past two years. These conditions affect more than 10 Rarámuri indigenous families, limiting both their access to drinking water and their agricultural capacity, which is the foundation of their economy and daily livelihood.

Studies conducted by UMAFOR and JRAS (2018-2023) indicate that Gumisachi is one of the most vulnerable communities in terms of ecosystem services, such as water, soil, and forests. This situation is worsened by the community’s dependence on rural tourism, which is threatened by environmental degradation and the lack of adequate water infrastructure because the infrastructure located in the community itself is in precarious conditions.

Although some governmental and community actions have attempted to mitigate the impact, significant gaps remain in water management and the preservation of natural resources. The community requires sustainable solutions that not only address immediate needs but also promote long-term resilience in the face of climate change.


  • Detection of the Community and Analysis of the Best Location for Water Reservoir Construction: Conduct field assessments in Gumisachi to identify the most vulnerable and suitable areas for constructing water harvesting reservoirs. This process will involve the use of technical tools such as drones and GPS, along with community mapping. The goal is to identify 3 to 5 optimal locations, actively involving the community in defining key criteria and ensuring their ability to utilize technical instruments and design construction sites.
  • Training Workshop for Key Partners and the Community: Organize weekly hands-on workshops with strategic partners and the Tarahumara community to transfer knowledge on reservoir construction. These workshops will encourage dialogue and integrate community insights, aiming to increase volunteer participation and strengthen local capacity for solving community issues. Expected outcomes include higher community engagement and the solidification of strategic alliances.
  • Practical Participation in Reservoir Construction with Key Partners and the Community: Carry out the construction of the water reservoirs with active participation from the community and key partners. Activities will include hands-on training and the use of recyclable materials, promoting learning in sustainable resource management. Expected results include increased adoption of sustainable practices and enhanced collaboration between different social groups.
  • Establishment of a Maintenance and Monitoring System: Implement a community-based maintenance and monitoring system to ensure long-term durability of the reservoirs. The community will be trained to identify issues and perform repairs, using key indicators such as water level measurement and leak detection. Expected outcomes include a fully functional water harvesting system and the ability of the community to maintain it autonomously.

Direct Results:

  • 3 to 5 Suitable Zones Identified: Identified through mapping and field analysis, ready for the construction of water harvesting reservoirs.
  • 4 Training Workshops Held: Engaging key partners and the community, with an increase in the number of volunteers and enhanced problem-solving capacity for community issues.
  • 3 Water Harvesting Reservoirs Built: Using recyclable and sustainable materials, directly improving water access for the community.
  • 1 Maintenance System Implemented: Established with clear indicators to ensure long-term functionality of the reservoirs.

Expected Impact:

  • Increase Access to Potable and Irrigation Water by 50% by 2026: Ensuring a reliable water supply for households and agriculture.
  • Reduce Community Vulnerability to Water Scarcity: Promoting environmental and social resilience through sustainable practices and a replicable model for other communities in the Sierra Tarahumara.
  •  INPI (National Institute of Indigenous Peoples) (https://www.gob.mx/inpi)
  • CONAFOR (National Forestry Commission) (https://www.gob.mx/conafor)
  • CEDAIN (Center for Indigenous Alternative Development) (https://cedain.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/bienvenido-a-cedain/)
  • Indigenous Community of Gumisachi
  • “TECHNICAL No. 5” Secondary School of San Juanito
  • Irma Dinorah Meneses Flores, General Director, MACHI-KO AC, machiko.ac@gmail.com
  • Mónica Alonso Massad, State Government of Rural Development, Rural Development, saberser369@gmail.com
  • Blanca Zulema Camuñez Romero, Apprentice at MACHI-KO AC, machiko.ac@gmail.com
  • Grissel Karely Acosta Torres, Communicator at MACHI-KO AC, machiko.ac@gmail.com

Investment

(*): In kind/pro bonus

(**): Financing

Goods and inputs
Funds
Needed
Covered
Solicited

Material para construcción de las pilas de captación (cemento, varilla,geomembrana, manguera, material de obra,etc) (*)

u$s 4425.96

u$s 897.20

u$s 3528.76

Renta de maquinaría pesada como: retroexcavadora y otros equipos para la excavación y preparación del terreno (*) (**)

u$s 798.80

u$s 0.00

u$s 798.80

Combustible para transporte salidas a campo, comunidad y para la maquinaria pesada (*) (**)

u$s 1281.00

u$s 0.00

u$s 1281.00

Refrigerios (comidas ofrecidas en los talleres como en salidas a campo) (*) (**)

u$s 698.90

u$s 0.00

u$s 698.90

Objetos de logìstica para el transporte, almacenamiento y organización (contenedores, mesas y sillas) (*) (**)

u$s 247.43

u$s 0.00

u$s 247.43

Botiquìn pimeros auxilios para emergencias durante las actividades de campo y construcción (*) (**)

u$s 38.84

u$s 0.00

u$s 38.84

Herramientas de inspección para análisis y monitoreo del terreno (cinta métrica, medidores de agua, GPS y drones) (*) (**)

u$s 122.86

u$s 0.00

u$s 122.86

Equipos de protección personal (EPP): Guantes, cascos, gafas de seguridad y botas (*) (**)

u$s 234.24

u$s 0.00

u$s 234.24

Services
Funds
Needed
Covered
Solicited

Capacitación previa para el uso de herramientas y maquinaria (*) (**)

u$s 92.41

u$s 0.00

u$s 92.41

Human resources
Funds
Needed
Covered
Solicited

Talleristas/ técnicos especializados en el temas y auxiliar en primeros auxilios (*) (**)

u$s 2995.14

u$s 0.00

u$s 2995.14

Mano de obra (aportación beneficiarios de la comunidad en la construcción y mantenimiento.) (*) (**)

u$s 499.20

u$s 499.20

u$s 0.00

TOTAL AMOUNTS:

u$s 11434.78

u$s 1396.40

u$s 10038.38

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