Estado del arte en manejo de sedimentos en cuencas andinas en el Ecuador, caso de estudio: cuenca del río Paute

Abstract

The sustainable management of sediments is an untreated problem in Ecuador, however, it is of great importance to be directly related to water resources, to the use and use of them, and to environmental and ecological aspects. In the last decade, a large number of hydroelectric projects have been built in the country, which are beginning to feel the lack of a sediment management plan. These works represent an interruption in the transit of sediments from the upper parts to the lower parts of the river basins, as well as a problem and costs in the operation and maintenance of the existing projects. Punctual hydraulic solutions in the projects can contribute to optimize the management and the processes of sediment washing, however, in some cases around the world the loads received from sediments exceed the capacity of the hydraulic works, being a theme that evolves over time According to changes in land use within the river basin. This study contributes to the understanding and diffusion of the state of the art in studies and research on sediment management in Andean basins carried out in Ecuador. Taking the Paute basin as a case study, the study needs are identified in this issue and recommendations are set forth to contribute to initiatives to propose and implement sustainable management plans for sediments in Ecuador.