Over the last few weeks, we have had a number of lectures by Pietro Lauerano, an architect and UNESCO consultant that is an expert on using traditional techniques to create desert oasis. If you have not seen his work, you should: http://www.ipogea.org. I love his approach, because he understands that to bring water back to these areas, you need to use the methods nomads have used for centuries, otherwise the water will dry up quickly. His lectures are fascinating!
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Wait a minute, I didn't think of actually getting the water back into these lands, Nice you brought it up :)
Actually followed the link you dropped but it led to a locked site, I would really like to hear his ideas of getting these deserts back to usefulness if you would like to share with us.
So strange, the link works for me. Try this, if not Google his name: Pietro Laureano.
His work with oasis is really inspiring. He does not believe in pumping in water, he believes in working with the very architecture of the desert itself. He was showing us how ancient tribes would create sand dunes with palm leaves sticking out the top to capture more sand and create barriers to prevent emerging oasis plants to grow and to expand the range. There are all kinds of techniques that worked for centuries, but have been lost because companies come in thinking they can add machinery and tubes. They don't understand that each technique is tied to another, creating the conditions for the palm tree to grow, which is fundamental to the continuity of water. We need to give dignity back to the old ways that work. I wish I had photos of his projects, but they haven't yet given us the slides.
What a great mind, quite embedded with knowledge, got me wishing I took that lecture with you :)
Bringing back life to these places in any way possible should be our focus, with the increasing population I think we need these lands which are now considered waste, even the colonization of Mars is more tasky than this.
Its cool learning that these lands can still be useful, I really appreciate your being here :)
Likewise! I look forward to more exchanges on topics like this. Once we get the slides, I will share some photos. I remembered one amazing project: Al Ain in Abu Dhabi. Laureano and his team expanded the oasis there and built the visitor center. Check it out here. Everything around the oasis is traditional, yet the visitor center itself is modern, yet integrated into the landscape. He wanted to show that there are places where you can integrate technology and modern techniques, but it should be a compliment, not a replacement of what works. I find it stunning!
Would be expecting them if they come, it's amazing all the ideas shared, with ideas like this, there is no limit to what we can achieve.