Adaptive Water Management from a Socio-Ecological Perspective: A Systematic Review of Co-Learning Strategies and Traditional Knowledge

Martha Cecilia Díaz Morante (), Apolinar Figueroa Casas and Cristian Méndez Rodríguez
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Martha Cecilia Díaz Morante: Doctorate in Environmental Sciences—Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences and Education, University of Cauca—Environmental Studies Group (GEA), Cra 2 3N-45, Popayán 190002, Colombia
Apolinar Figueroa Casas: Environmental Studies Group (GEA), Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia
Cristian Méndez Rodríguez: Environmental Studies Group (GEA), Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Cauca, Popayán 190002, Colombia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-16

Abstract: This article presents a systematic review based on indexed scientific sources, focusing on adaptive water management from a socio-ecological perspective, with an emphasis on co-learning and traditional knowledge. The study used Bibliometrix software to explore the evolution and thematic patterns within the literature. Articles were assessed using the PRISMA framework to identify those most suitable for inclusion. Forty-three articles were selected based on their content validity, relevance to the research question, strength of evidence, and year of publication (2010–2025), including a synthesis and classification of the identified components. This review highlighted relevant research gaps and proposed future areas of study. Furthermore, a conceptual model for adaptive water management is presented, illustrating the interconnection between the various components analyzed. This model establishes a path based on the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, which is postulated as a methodological tool that promotes governance, recognizes local knowledge in territories, and fosters resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change.

Keywords: territories; governance; social learning; local knowledge; PAR: participatory action research; resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:21:p:9597-:d:1781725

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