SIFAV

The project aims to create a resilient value chain by promoting responsible water management that enhances the water resilience of the Ica-Huancavelica basin. It builds on four years of stakeholder engagement and a comprehensive basin analysis.

The workshop’s primary aim was to foster a trusted space for dialogue and collaboration among local and international stakeholders (more details see below). This inclusive environment encourages collective action to ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources and the livelihoods dependent on them. Additionally, the workshop sought to review year-one interventions and pave the way for future initiatives. All participants contributed to the different sessions and group discussions, including a World Café dynamic where in smaller groups, participants deep-dived into governance, technical aspects of the project and community topics.

A diverse group of stakeholders and open discussions

Over 50 stakeholders attended, representing diverse groups including government entities, local and international NGOs, agro-exporters, traders, supermarkets, communities, and water management experts. This was the first time all these stakeholders shared a common space for dialogue on the topics addressed.

For the first time, five presidents from upstream Ica communities presented their perspectives and needs directly to the stakeholders, sparking open dialogue and collaboration. The main challenges identified include water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, water management issues, and economic instability. However, this dialogue has opened up a clear opportunity for positive change through improved coordination, sustainable solutions, and inclusive development projects aimed at addressing these needs.

Recognition, trust building and strengthened commitment

The workshop showcased the initial interventions of the Ica collective action project regarding water retention and infiltration, biodiversity and the improvement of livelihoods of local communities, and earned recognition as a credible initiative with tangible, on-the-ground actions. This credibility has fostered trust among stakeholders, which is critical for sustaining long-term collective action.

The meeting proved to be another building block in terms of trust and commitment among participants, establishing the importance of a strong multistakeholder group to drive impactful solutions across the catchment. Notable announcements included:

• • • Support for the project in 2025 from JUASVI (Junta de Usuarios de Aguas Subterráneas del Valle de Ica), the Water Board of Groundwater Users, and Topitop, a Peruvian textile manufacturer-exporter
    • The involvement of three new high-Andean communities — Choclococha, Pilpíchaca, and Carhuancho — in 2025

The session highlighted the project’s momentum and its role in driving meaningful collaboration and action towards a resilient Ica basin. The shared commitment among stakeholders sets a promising trajectory for the initiative to strengthen the collective action project and drive impact locally and in the supply chain.

The workshop fostered a collaborative environment, generating actionable ideas for the next phases of the project starting in 2025. Key areas explored included:

• • • Sustainable groundwater management: Insights were shared from the Environmental Defense Fund’s framework applied in California
    • Resilient upstream landscape management: Strategies to support water cycles and enhance livelihoods in upstream communities were discussed
    • Improved governance: Opportunities to enhance water governance through existing regional bodies were explored

Participants were invited to join a day visit to the upper basin and the extended catchment of Ica, to visit the Los Libertadores and Choclococha communities. During the first leg of the visit, the group was invited by the Choclococha community and continued the discussion on opportunities for the work of nature-based solutions or community-led actions. These are activities that contribute to improved social and economic sustainability of upstream communities. The community shared the interest in expanding these activities to the upper basin in this extended part of the Ica catchment, in collaboration with the community.

During the second part of the visit, participants were welcomed by the Los Libertadores community for lunch. This was followed by a visit of the field interventions, aimed at improving water retention and protecting biodiversity, for example through infiltration ditches and reforestation areas. The community of Los Libertadores also demonstrated how they have been involved in the alpaca community livelihood project, in which capacity has been built to improve alpaca wool production and for improved land management, showing potential for significant increases in income for the local community members.

Project partners are currently developing the next phase of the project which will build on the outcomes of the workshop and the progress achieved to date. Details will be shared with stakeholders in early 2025.

We invite more stakeholders to join this collective action project and contribute to the shared vision of a resilient Ica basin. For further information or to get involved, please contact Jenny van Son, Program Manager at SIFAV, at vanson@idhtrade.org. 

Stay tuned for updates as this impactful initiative continues to evolve!