Support for indigenous autonomy and sustainable water management with AI

FAIR + TR

Team: Diana Mosquera, Francisco Gallegos

AI + remote sensingnatural resourcesindigenous communitiesSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE

We analyzed water availability and use for our Water Governance project with the Yaqui indigenous people in Mexico. Combining local knowledge obtained through workshops and surveys, we analyzed satellite imagery and used Artificial Intelligence to understand how natural resources have evolved, addressing the historical problem of water distribution. The results are available in an open access dashboard, providing crucial information for developing effective community water management strategies.

The project is situated in the crucial context of the Yaqui River basin in northwestern Mexico, a region where water rights and resource management have been contentious issues since the late 19th century. The Yaqui people have maintained a persistent struggle to protect their water rights, facing challenges from industrial exploitation and governmental policies. Their territory, spanning multiple municipalities including Bácum, Cajeme, Empalme, Guaymas, and San Ignacio Río Muerto, depends heavily on the Yaqui River for agriculture, economic activities, and cultural preservation.

This initiative drives natural resource governance through data and AI tools designed specifically for the Yaqui community of Vícam. At its core is the development of a dashboard that integrates sociodemographic, geospatial and regulatory data, making complex information accessible and actionable for community members. This approach combines traditional knowledge with modern data analytics tools to empower informed decision making in water resource management.

The final product serves not only as a technical tool, but also as a policy instrument, enabling the community to make data-driven decisions and effectively defend their water rights. This integration of perspectives demonstrates how AI can support indigenous peoples' autonomy and sustainable resource management while preserving cultural identity.