Book Launch: Water Conservation Techniques in Traditional Human Settlements

Online, March 5, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The book "Water Conservation Techniques in Traditional Settlements," by Pietro Laureano, highlights the value of traditional knowledge of pre-industrial societies in the area of natural resources management such as water.

An emphasis is placed on the history of water management traditional techniques and local knowledge considered as part of cultural history. The author reviews the evolution of these practices since the Palaeolithic era by examining various societies developed ingenious water techniques in different parts of the world. Special attention is given to the creation of water and the management practices developed in the arid areas and notably to the Oases model described as a sustainable development alternative to the hydraulic civilisations model based on an abusive exploitation of water resources.

The study of traditional knowledge is described as a contribution to developing a new water management paradigm more in line with the sustainable development approach and integration of technical, ethical and aesthetical aspects. Several examples of innovative use of ancient water management practices for agricultural, architectural and urban development purposes are described.

The book with numerous photos, drawings and sketches is a useful guide for designing sustainable solutions to combat desertification and to protect the landscape and the ecosystems.

About the Author: Pietro Laureano, an architect and urban planner, is a UNESCO consultant for arid regions, water management, Islamic civilizations and endangered ecosystems. Author is also the director of IPOGEA (Centre for Traditional Knowledge Research, Matera in Italy).

Price: INR 1495/-
ISBN: 9788 1924 73376
Publication Date: April 2013
Dimension: 6 x 9 in.
Binding: Hardbound
Pages: 400 (approx.)