“The Mystery
of Nazca, Peru’s
Ancient Holes (Puquios)”
Satellite Images Unveiled
How Ancient Civilization Managed
Groundwater Resources in Arid Zones
Dr. Rosa Lasaponara, researcher at the Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis in Italy, was invited by the UNESCO
International Hydrological Programme to present the results of her team breakthrough research which allowed solving the
mystery of groundwater resources management by the Nazca Peruvian civilization. Nazca was able to survive in one of the most
arid spots on Earth, and turn it into a lush agricultural and wildlife attractive area.
She will describe how remote sensing technologies helped to solve the mystery of the Nazca Puquios and controlling groundwater
resources is crucial for life when other water resources are scarce.
Results of her research are presented in a session devoted to transboundary aquifers regional cooperation such as the one
for the management of the largest “fossil aquifer system” in the world: the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS). This
transboundary aquifer spans the political boundaries of Chad, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan, and is a vital water source for the region.
Wednesday 31 August
16:00-17:30 / FH 300
Seminar ‘Groundwater Resources in Arid Zones:
Strengthening Water Security for Sustainable
Development of the Nubian Aquifer System’