The goal of the present work is to synthesize the process of collective construction developed to protect the high-altitude wetlands of the Blanco River basin, located in the Andes Mountains, Province of Mendoza. The participatory process arose out of an initiative of basin residents and users, and was conducted by the Integrative Committee for Creation of Potrerillos Municipal Environmental Protected Area (MEPA), composed of civil society organizations, government agencies and scientific institutions. The major pressures affecting the wetlands, identified through participatory assessment of the socio-ecosystem are: water pollution, reduction and total loss of habitat, stoppage of groundwater flows, artificial drainage, poldering of the meadow, and... |