Vanishing Waters

Traditional water systems, shaped by long-term human-water-landscape interactions, are disappearing due to neoliberal economies, urbanization, colonization, and environmental mismanagement. A comparative analysis of four case studies—Valli da Pesca Aquaculture System (Italy), Sassi di Matera Water Harvesting System (Italy), Budj Bim Aboriginal Eel Aquaculture System (Australia), and Hiti Pranali Water Stone Spout System (Nepal)—reveals their profound cultural, social, and ecological impacts when disrupted. While these systems face irreversible loss, communities demonstrate resilience through resistance, restoration, and reinterpretation efforts. The study raises critical questions about whether such systems should be revived functionally or preserved as fragile historical memories.

Chouairi, A. (2026). Vanishing Waters. Circular Water Stories. https://doi.org/10.59490/mt.213.102