In December, UNESCO added traditional irrigation systems to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The proposal was initiated by several European countries, including Switzerland. Its success indirectly honours the research and commitment of a corresponding network on traditional irrigation in Europe, in which CDE is also active.
At least 130 sites in Europe featuring traditional irrigation systems have been historically documented, listed as existing in the form of landscape artefacts and cultural artefacts, or demonstrated to be a continuing form of landscape management. Preserving this cultural heritage requires efforts in research, knowledge exchange, and practical implementation.
For this reason, organizations from seven European countries, including Switzerland, formed a network of partners under the leadership of the International Centre for Traditional Irrigation in Europe (IZTB). Together, the partners worked to encourage UNESCO to record traditional irrigation systems in the official list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Traditional irrigation in the Upper Valais. Photo: Karina Liechti
This recognition should enable the preservation of traditional irrigation practices and related forms of organization – in particular management by collective bodies. These are community organizations, often historically rooted, that manage common goods like water locally and in a participatory manner. In Switzerland, such collectives include commoners’ organizations for the use of Wässermatten (meadows that can be temporarily flooded thanks to a sophisticated channel system) in the cantons of Bern and Lucerne and for the use of Suonen or bisses (irrigation channels) in the canton of Valais.
Creation of a research focus at CDE
In Bern, the network is developing a matching research focus within the UNESCO Chair on Natural and Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Mountain Development hosted by CDE and GIUB. Its aim is to advance research together with local sponsors, NGOs, relevant authorities, and other organizations, as well as to make the cultural contributions of these irrigation systems accessible to the general public.
