Ancient Hydro-Technologies (AHTs)

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This special themed issue of Blue Papers brings together twenty-four articles on ancient hydro-technologies (AHTs) originally published in the first seven issues of the journal (https://bluepapers.nl/). Together with our partners from the Global Network of Water Museums, a flagship initiative of UNESCO-IHP, we selected key articles that explore the functionality of ancient hydro-technologies in their historical context and their relevance in addressing contemporary water challenges. This special issue is the first in a series of thematic compilations from Blue Papers. It reflects the journal’s commitment to establishing a platform for contributions that tackle urgent issues and present innovative solutions, ultimately leading to policy recommendations.

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  • Fig. 1 Zenu Ancestral Hydrotechnology, Colombia (Source: Jordi Morató Farreras, 2020).
    Ancient Hydro-Technologies as a Response to Climate and Food Emergencies: Use of Cultural Heritage to Rescue the Future
    Jordi Morató, José Luis Martín, Olga Lucia Sánchez

    The Mediterranean region faces worsening climate challenges, including rising temperatures, water scarcity and ecosystem degradation. Climate projections indicate a temperature increase of up to 6.5°C by 2100, with reduced rainfall and increased evaporation exacerbating water shortages, particularly in agriculture, which consumes 70–80 per cent of the region’s water. Competition for freshwater, declining agricultural productivity, and salinization of coastal aquifers further threaten sustainability. Ancient hydro-technologies—traditional water management systems developed by ancient...