A complex transdisciplinary approach to achieve water sustainability: lessons from a case study in Morelia, Mexico

Abstract

AbstractAlthough the theoretical–methodological complexity theory and transdisciplinary approach is increasingly accepted within sustainability science, its application at local-scale work with rural communities in the global south is still incipient and requires further research on its scope and limitations. The general objective of this work was to contribute to the knowledge on how a complexity and transdisciplinary approach applied to water problems at local scales can facilitate the process for water sustainability. The research took as study area the ejido of Coro Grande located in the municipality of Morelia, in the rural vicinity of Morelia City, capital of Michoacán State (Mexico). The theoretical–methodological scheme was based on the combination of the concepts of complexity–sustainability–transdisciplinarity to analyze the local water metabolism and generate actions to mitigate present and future water risk. The activities carried out involved a participatory diagnosis and the development of activities for the restoration of degraded environments with a double purpose: to generate conditions for the water sustainability of the system, and to promote the involvement of the population in a transdisciplinary research–action process. The results obtained show the effectiveness of the framework chosen to identify problems, achieve transformation in the short term, and improve both ecosystem functions and participation of the population in the solution of problems in the medium and long terms.